Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0506

HR0506 LRB104 15858 MST 29074 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is important to build a comprehensive public transit system that works for everyone, supports local businesses, creates good-paying jobs, nurtures tourism, fosters equity for underserved communities, and stimulates the statewide economy for the benefit of all Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, In an unwarranted attack on these goals, the Trump Administration is freezing $2.1 billion in congressionally approved federal funding that would pay for vital and long-sought-after extensions to the far south end of the Red Line of Chicago's train system and miscellaneous improvements to its Purple Line so it may substantially expand its ridership; and

WHEREAS, This new public transit availability would bring greater freedom of movement to an estimated 175,000 daily riders, including people from underserved communities who face transportation deserts that pose unfair roadblocks to low-cost commutes as well as people living in the south Chicago suburbs who have limited access to Chicago public transit, and would so stimulate the Illinois economy; and

WHEREAS, Construction of the new train stops would create numerous new good-paying job opportunities for local workers and so stimulate the Illinois economy; and

WHEREAS, Local businesses that manage these construction projects would thrive and further stimulate the Illinois economy; and

WHEREAS, President Biden unequivocally signed off on this funding, and the Chicago Transit Authority later secured a legal obligation from the federal government that the money would be released; and

WHEREAS, President Trump is portraying this indefensible act as an attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion, despite the fact that extending the Red Line train will benefit all Illinoisans regardless of race, age, ideological affiliation, or economic background; and

WHEREAS, President Trump's motivation is his vendetta against his political opponents, as this is just a part of the $28 billion Donald Trump is defunding for similar projects across the country, all from Democratically-controlled cities and states; and

WHEREAS, Reneging on promised grants with no warning fosters fiscal uncertainty and will threaten the long-term economic stability of every state in this country; and

WHEREAS, Maintaining this funding freeze would cause millions of Illinoisans to be deprived of a future that is more equitable and more financially robust; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we call on President Trump to unfreeze all promised funding for a Red Line train extension on Chicago's South Side; and be it further

RESOLVED, That failing to release the promised funding, we condemn President Trump's actions as motivated by spite, counter to the cause of a fairer and more economically strong Illinois, and in direct opposition to his purported goal of "making America great"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we will always support transit for historically underserved communities and the rights of diverse contractors.