(The Center Square) – Despite failing to get a mass transit funding package passed in the Illinois legislature this spring, some lawmakers continue to present their case.
As the mass transit agencies paint a bleak picture regarding the fiscal cliff in 2026, a funding package appears far from the finish line. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) said it needs $770 million to keep the systems in the Chicago area running as usual. The RTA and union groups have estimated that nearly 3,000 workers could lose their jobs if lawmakers don’t fund the transit system.
State Sen. Ram Villivallam, D-Chicago introduced legislation that would restructure and rename the current Regional Transit Authority to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, increasing the number of appointed board members from 16 to 20.
“We also centralized a lot of the decision making on service plans, capital plans,” said Villivallam during a virtual briefing Wednesday. “Seven different apps for the [Chicago Transit Authority], Pace, RTA. We’re saying there should be one app.”
The state Senate passed legislation that included a statewide $1.50 delivery tax and a real estate transfer tax. State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, said he is surprised by that vote and not surprised the House failed to take action.
“It is extremely unpopular and poorly put together and definitely poorly rolled out,” said Hauter.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has suggested a tax on the wealthy to shift the burden away from a proposal to place a tax on sales and services.
“There’s been some conversations about a millionaires tax and other forms of progressive taxation that challenges the ultra-rich to pay their fair share,” said Johnson.
By law, public transit agencies must craft their budgets under the assumption that they will not receive support from Springfield.
Legislators say future deliberations are expected to take place over the summer.
