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TechnographHastert, Poshard propose $31 billion construction plan
By Ryan Keith, The Associated Press
Posted: 5/21/08 Section: News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two former Illinois congressmen proposed a revamped $31 billion construction program Tuesday as time ticks down and lawmakers' doubts grow about whether they can break a long-running stalemate this spring.
Dennis Hastert and Glenn Poshard put their political weight behind a proposal for roads, schools and other needs paid for by a mix of expanding gambling, selling the state Lottery and using excess tax revenues from soaring gasoline prices.
The new plan, backed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration, tries to pressure state lawmakers to approve a construction program for the first time in nine years.
But with a deadline for adjournment of May 31 fast approaching, some lawmakers predict a construction plan may be delayed again.
Even Poshard and Hastert, the former U.S. House speaker, acknowledge the fate of a "capital bill" is out of their hands after weeks of meetings with legislators and constituents.
"It's the best we could possibly do," Hastert said at a Statehouse news conference. "I think it has a very good chance of moving."
The two leaders, brought together by Blagojevich earlier this year to help strike a deal, agreed developing the proposal was an arduous but necessary process.
Lawmakers have fought since before Blagojevich took office in 2003 over how to structure a construction plan and how to pay for it. Lawmakers have grown increasingly worried of late that they can't trust Blagojevich to follow through with money for projects promised in any new program.
Hastert and Poshard say they got input for their plan from all legislative caucuses to try to meet those concerns.
It uses revenue ideas that legislators didn't balk at, such as a new Chicago casino and slot machines at horse racing tracks. And it tries to address the trust issue by putting limits on what the governor can and can't do with capital money.
The proposal also aims to please legislators by including even more projects than have been discussed before, although Poshard noted it could only go so far.
Dennis Hastert and Glenn Poshard put their political weight behind a proposal for roads, schools and other needs paid for by a mix of expanding gambling, selling the state Lottery and using excess tax revenues from soaring gasoline prices.
The new plan, backed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration, tries to pressure state lawmakers to approve a construction program for the first time in nine years.
But with a deadline for adjournment of May 31 fast approaching, some lawmakers predict a construction plan may be delayed again.
Even Poshard and Hastert, the former U.S. House speaker, acknowledge the fate of a "capital bill" is out of their hands after weeks of meetings with legislators and constituents.
"It's the best we could possibly do," Hastert said at a Statehouse news conference. "I think it has a very good chance of moving."
The two leaders, brought together by Blagojevich earlier this year to help strike a deal, agreed developing the proposal was an arduous but necessary process.
Lawmakers have fought since before Blagojevich took office in 2003 over how to structure a construction plan and how to pay for it. Lawmakers have grown increasingly worried of late that they can't trust Blagojevich to follow through with money for projects promised in any new program.
Hastert and Poshard say they got input for their plan from all legislative caucuses to try to meet those concerns.
It uses revenue ideas that legislators didn't balk at, such as a new Chicago casino and slot machines at horse racing tracks. And it tries to address the trust issue by putting limits on what the governor can and can't do with capital money.
The proposal also aims to please legislators by including even more projects than have been discussed before, although Poshard noted it could only go so far.
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Doow Boy
posted 5/21/08 @ 8:57 AM CST
Why can't Hastert reinstate my chief ? He is a liberal no doubt. I need to move to West Virginia, them folks think like me. I am narrow-minded and scared of what the world may do to me. (Continued…)
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