WSIU: Illinois Senate May Vote on Transit Bailout (2007-09-18)

The Illinois Senate may vote today on a plan that would bailout mass transit systems and fund construction projects across the state. Amanda Vinicky reports:

It all rests on gambling expansion.
Senate leaders and the Governor have discussed three casinos... including one in Chicago... and adding more slot machines at existing boats.
The money raised would pay for building projects around Illinois.
And ... it would help the Chicago Transit Authority... at least temporarily. The CTA has warned of service cuts and fare hikes. Lawmakers in closed door talks say this plan would give a loan to the mass transit agency ... providing more time to find a permanent solution.
While some legislators are optimistic the plan's a cure-all for longstanding woes ... others ... like Chicago Democratic Senator Ira Silverstein doubts it will become law.

That's because it was put together without input from leaders of the Illinois House....

"Unfortunately we're playing games down here again, and we should really be helping out the public."
Silverstein says the political games are "disgusting."
I'm Amanda Vinicky.