By KEVIN BESSLER
Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) — Chicago mass transit agencies are warning of service cuts and layoffs now that the Illinois legislature has failed to approve a funding plan.
The Regional Transit Authority, which oversees the CTA, Metra and Pace, said it faces a $770 million shortfall in 2026. Transit officials and union groups were pushing for lawmakers to approve more funding to avoid such a financial cliff.
One bill aimed to help alleviate the financial pressure proposed a statewide $1.50 tax on food and parcel deliveries.
State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said the legislation is just a bailout for the mass transit agencies in Chicago.
“You are all going to get nailed on this tax and this is an unpopular mayor who’s got a 9% approval rating and you’re all going to bail out this idiot,” said Chesney. “You’re going to bail out an unpopular mayor on a dysfunctional system.”
The legislation also included a tax on electric vehicle charging and rideshares.
The Senate passed the measure but the House didn’t take action.
A spokesman for the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation said the failure to pass a comprehensive transportation bill to avert a fiscal cliff jeopardizes Illinois transit systems with expected cuts, massive layoffs, and service disruptions.
“As the General Assembly adjourns with neither reform or revenue, transit riders and workers alike are left concerned about the future of our communities,” said Illinois AFL-CIO president Tim Drea in a statement.
Lawmakers could head back to Springfield in the summer for a special session to address the issue.
