[Iabs-talk] Fw: Seante Bill 572

Wed Aug 22 11:19:00 CDT 2007

Here is the message I received from my state representative today. I have not had time to read the Amendment 3 fact sheet which is attached, but I am sure it will make for interesting reading.

Kelly
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Elaine Nekritz 
To: kelly at dls.net 
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:50 AM
Subject: Seante Bill 572

                  Dear Kelly Doty, 

                  Thank you for contacting me to express your support regarding Senate Bill 572 which would increase funding for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and improve its organizational structure.  I appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns with me. 

                  Attached please find a fact sheet that summarizes the highlights of the proposed legislation. I am hopeful that SB572, and specifically House Amendment No. 3, will be heard for a conclusive vote before the end of August, when fare increases and service cuts loom large. Replacing Amendments Nos. 1 & 2, Amendment No. 3 provides a regional solution to a regional problem and implements long-range planning that will secure a comprehensive funding formula for years ahead, not just this year. A .25% sales tax will be introduced in five collar counties by the RTA, and the City of Chicago will implement an approximate .30% real estate transfer tax to specifically help fund the CTA. 

                  Just as important, SB572 initiates reforms that allow the RTA to become integrated and accountable with respect to regional planning, fiscal oversight and fare and service coordination throughout Metra, Pace and the CTA. This includes a much needed overhaul of the pension and retiree health-care plans for the CTA which will provide better overall sustainability for the CTA and its employees. In addition, RTA and Metra will change their boards of directors governance structure to promote better regional representation.

                  Most everyone agrees that the RTA must undergo changes to keep running. The band-aid approach to the problem will keep the legislature revisiting thorny funding issues year after year with no end in sight. While no one likes to think about tax increases, I am optimistic that the long-term changes brought about by SB572 will prevent future and perhaps more frequent tax increases from being considered. Thank you for taking the time to contact me about this complex matter. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any issue further with me, please feel free to contact me at 847.257.0450. You can follow the progress of any bill at www.ilga.gov. 

                  Warmly,

                  Elaine Nekritz

                  State Representative

                  Legislative Office
                  24 South River Road, Suite 200
                  Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

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Here is the message I received from my state representative today. I have not had time to read the Amendment 3 fact sheet which is attached, but I am sure it will make for interesting reading.

Kelly
----- Original Message -----
From:
mailto:enekritz at repnekritz.org Elaine Nekritz
To:
mailto:kelly at dls.net kelly at dls.net
Sent:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:50 AM
Subject:
Seante Bill 572
cid:002101c7e4d8$262200e0$0b4894ce at KELLY
Dear Kelly Doty,
Thank you for contacting me to express your support regarding Senate Bill 572 which would increase funding for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and improve its organizational structure.  I appreciate you taking the time to voice your concerns with me.

Attached please find a fact sheet that summarizes the highlights of the proposed legislation. I am hopeful that SB572, and specifically House Amendment No. 3, will be heard for a conclusive vote before the end of August, when fare increases and service cuts loom large. Replacing Amendments Nos. 1 & 2, Amendment No. 3 provides a regional solution to a regional problem and implements long-range planning that will secure a comprehensive funding formula for years ahead, not just this year. A .25% sales tax will be introduced in five collar counties by the RTA, and the City of
Chicago
will implement an approximate .30% real estate transfer tax to specifically help fund the CTA.

Just as important, SB572 initiates reforms that allow the RTA to become integrated and accountable with respect to regional planning, fiscal oversight and fare and service coordination throughout Metra, Pace and the CTA. This includes a much needed overhaul of the pension and retiree health-care plans for the CTA which will provide better overall sustainability for the CTA and its employees. In addition, RTA and Metra will change their boards of directors governance structure to promote better regional representation.

Most everyone agrees that the RTA must undergo changes to keep running. The band-aid approach to the problem will keep the legislature revisiting thorny funding issues year after year with no end in sight. While no one likes to think about tax increases, I am optimistic that the long-term changes brought about by SB572 will prevent future and perhaps more frequent tax increases from being considered. Thank you for taking the time to contact me about this complex matter. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any issue further with me, please feel free to contact me at 847.257.0450. You can follow the progress of any bill at http://www.ilga.gov/ www.ilga.gov
.

Warmly,
cid:002201c7e4d8$262200e0$0b4894ce at KELLY

Elaine Nekritz
State Representative

Legislative Office
24 South River Road, Suite 200
Des Plaines
,
Illinois
60016

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