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* Several US Reps. sent out dot points outlining what the federal infrastructure bill means for Illinois. This is from Rep. Lauren Underwood, with emphasis added by me…
• Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians: In Illinois there are 2,374 bridges and over 6,218 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.3% in Illinois and on average, each driver pays $609 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Illinois would expect to receive $9.8 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.4 billion for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Illinois can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
• Build a network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options: Illinois would expect to receive $149 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Illinois will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
• Help connect every Illinoisans to reliable high-speed internet: Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Yet 14% of Illinois households do not have an internet subscription. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Illinois will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 228,000 Illinoisans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2,926,000 or 23% of people in Illinois will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
• Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyberattacks, and extreme weather events: From 2010 to 2020, Illinois has experienced 48 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $50 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on historical formula funding levels, Illinois will expect to receive $27 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $22 million to protect against cyberattacks. Illinoisans will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
• Deliver clean drinking water: Based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Illinois will expect to receive $1.7 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
• Improve airports: Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, airports in Illinois would receive approximately $616 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.
* Sun-Times…
The federal infrastructure funding will piggyback on Rebuild Illinois state programs and other infrastructure plans enacted by the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. J.B. Pritzker. […]
The infrastructure bill included a $1.7 billion competitive federal grant program pushed by Reps. Marie Newman, D-Ill., and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., — both on the House Transportation Committee — to upgrade transit stations accessibility for the disabled, aimed at bolstering the CTA’s improvements for people with disabilities.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., was able to get in the bill vehicle safety provisions dealing with drunk driving prevention, collision warnings, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings. According to the bill, within three years, new motor vehicles must “be equipped with advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology.”
The measure also has provisions to combat distracted driving, drafted by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill.
* Greg Hinz…
Particularly worth watching in months and years ahead are the CTA’s proposed extension of its Red Line south to the city limits, replacement of lead water pipes in the city and some suburbs, money for electric-vehicle charging stations that will complement Gov J.B. Pritzker’s move to lure that industry to Illinois, and tens of billions of dollars for Amtrak, which has laid out plans for a huge increase in train service out of its Chicago mid-America hub.
* Adam Kinzinger was the only Illinois Republican who voted for the bill. Here’s Rodney Davis’ react to the bill…
I’m beyond disappointed that President Biden and Democrats in Congress paired bipartisan infrastructure investment to their reckless, multi-trillion-dollar, tax-and-spending proposal. At a time when inflation is persisting and the prices of goods and services continue to rise, we cannot afford pouring over three-trillion dollars of new government spending into the economy, particularly after the Democrats passed their nearly-two-trillion-dollar spending bill earlier this year. It’s time for Congress to stop the spending blowout and take action to address the supply chain crisis and get inflation under control. That’s what American families need.
Somebody please tell him this money will be spent over five years. $1.2 trillion divided by 5 equals $240 billion. Not much in a $21 trillion national economy.
Back to Greg Hinz…
That was an odd statement from an official who, if Republicans retake control of the House in the 2022 elections, is likely to become chairman of the House Transportation Committee. That position will give Davis huge sway over how some of the just-passed money will be spent. Is he going to turn it down and reject funds for Illinois and his district (assuming he runs for re-election)? Somehow, I suspect not.
Davis’ position is particularly interesting given that other, GOP-leaning groups were all for the infrastructure bill. Like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which termed it “a major win for America.” Or the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, whose president, former Illinois House GOP Chief of Staff Kevin Artl, praised the “once-in-a-generation investment” as a vehicle for job and economic growth.
...Adding… DPI…
“Four out of five Illinois Republicans agree: they’d rather put petty partisan politics over people,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt. “That’s the message Illinoisans received when Reps. Mike Bost, Rodney Davis, Darin LaHood, and Mary Miller voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal last Friday night. By voting no, these Republicans opposed investing billions in Illinois’ roads and bridges, broadband services, cybersecurity, water infrastructure, and more. Instead of voting yes and creating good-paying jobs, these Republicans continue to use political spin as a cover for not doing their own.”
* Related…
* What went wrong with Dixmoor’s water? How squabbling and crumbling infrastructure left thousands in Chicago suburb without ‘a human right.’: The small town is just one of many south suburbs beset with aging infrastructure that is prone to leaks and water loss for which residents, nonetheless, still pay. The cost of overhauling the system often outstrips the resources in the towns, many of which are low-income.
* It’s 2021, and this metro-east community still doesn’t have reliable internet: Fairmont City residents have asked internet service providers for years to get connected to reliable broadband, only to be told that service isn’t available in their community of 2,300.
* Illinois House Republicans on infrastructure bill: Kinzinger, yes; LaHood, Bost, Miller and Davis, no
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 12:42 pm
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“Mitch McConnell voted to help his state rebuild but Rodney Davis didn’t.” The messaging could be brutal in a statewide race.
“paired bipartisan infrastructure investment to their reckless, multi-trillion-dollar, tax-and-spending proposal”
Democrats had to decouple the bills at the last minute to pass infrastructure and Davis knows it.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 12:54 pm
“Spend it like you got it” my Daddy use to say.
Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:01 pm
There’s one reason and one reason only that the Republicans didn’t support the infrastructure program and that was they wanted to stick it to Biden and not give him a “win.” I’m sure, though, that they will all be out there touting what their districts are getting out of it.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Davis is just going for political points with the base. When push comes to shove, he’ll be happy to spend it and show up at the ribbon cuttings.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:08 pm
**I’m beyond disappointed that President Biden and Democrats in Congress paired bipartisan infrastructure investment to their reckless, multi-trillion-dollar, tax-and-spending proposal.**
Uh, but they didn’t? There were attempts to do so, but at the end of the day the House passed BIF without any tie to BBB.
Comment by SaulGoodman Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:16 pm
=Democrats had to decouple the bills at the last minute to pass infrastructure and Davis knows it.=
Yeah, but honesty isn’t going to be prioritized anymore.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:16 pm
I always hear that sort of talk from Rep Davis and I think of this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xad5Rl0N2E
Comment by Publius Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:20 pm
Don’t ya know that Bost and his fellow “no” voters will be standing by to take credit for getting projects and money from this bill sent to their districts. Bost, who in his newsletter this week, said he voted no in order to stop the “radical Democratic agenda.” Time for Mike to retire.
Comment by Deep South Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:22 pm
== Is he going to turn it down and reject funds for Illinois and his district ==
In the current political climate, it’s not out of the question at all.
He would toss his own constituents under the bus, and pound the table telling them Chicago isn’t getting any federal bailout money - and his constituents would praise him for that.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:22 pm
If Dems had any backbone they’d hold ribbon cuttings without members of Congress that voted “No”
It’s not that hard, literally don’t inform or invite.
They wanna make a stink? Easy…
“This is another project that amplifies Congressman/Congresswoman X as a failure to the district, as they voted against this project and then they decide to show up to take credit for something they were against. This project was passed without their help, maybe they need to be reminded how they hurt their constituents”
If this election is going to be as bad as projected, why help by letting those against the agenda attend?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:27 pm
” GOP-leaning groups were all for the infrastructure bill. the U.S. Chamber of Commerce”
The US Chamber and its new leadership have moved on from being a GOP-leaning group.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/19/key-officials-leave-us-chamber-of-commerce-amid-gop-criticism.html
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:29 pm
**The US Chamber and its new leadership have moved on from being a GOP-leaning group.**
LOL - that is NOT what your article says.
Comment by SaulGoodman Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:37 pm
“LOL - that is NOT what your article says”
R.I.F. - here is another…
Chamber of Commerce draws fire after a risky bet on Democrats
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/05/17/chamber-of-commerce-democrats-trump/
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 1:54 pm
=It’s time for Congress to stop the spending blowout =
except when Republicans are president, then I’ll vote for whatever spending increase my orange overlord wants.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 2:00 pm
Democrats are so socialistic that the progressive caucus gave up a lot of leverage on the BBB framework in order to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill. In this process, it was the progressives who sacrificed and compromised the most. Manchin and Sinema are like, “We gave you the time of day, isn’t that enough?” This is something to consider next time someone screams “socialism.”
I thought Rep. Jayapal the progressive caucus leader did a marvelous job of getting most of her members to vote yes for infrastructure, even through there was anger at the blue dogs’ refusal to vote for BBB. Better get one sure win than two failures.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 2:09 pm
Davis doesn’t like the Democrats’ “tax and spend” proposal. He prefers the Republicans’ cut taxes and still spend proposal.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 2:12 pm
The money for public transit is outstanding. Time and time again we’ve seen how much investment in mass transit helps to incentivize private investment.
Comment by low level Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 2:25 pm
Comment by Norseman Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 3:23 pm
is she talking about (taking credit) for things in her (soon to be) old district, or does it include items in the new district as well?
Comment by bored now Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 3:31 pm
At a recent parade, Bost supporters were handing out his flyers. It specifically mentioned that he was wanting to fix downstate roads and bridges. Apparently, not so much or he does not understand how fixing those roads/bridges costs money from taxpayers.
Comment by Downstate Teacher Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 3:32 pm
Hinz’s point about Davis is spot on. Nothing is more irritating than a pol blustering opposition to a budget or spending bill, voting against it, and then championing the benefits back home. It happens all.. the…time.
Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 3:36 pm
=except when Republicans are president, then I’ll vote for whatever spending increase my orange overlord wants.=
That’s the best laugh I had in awhile, thanks Anonymous……
Comment by Gus Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Jeez, I’ll just be glad if it results in me being able to get broadband internet out in my rural area.
Comment by JT11505 Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 4:00 pm
Somebody please tell him this money will be spent over five years. $1.2 trillion divided by 5 equals $240 billion. Not much in a $21 trillion national economy.
Unfortunately, this past fiscal year deficit was almost $3 trillion and not all of the money in this bill is going to true infrastructure. But I guess spend, spend, spend is ok. Wow
Comment by Jersey Shore Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 4:22 pm
- Jersey Shore - Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 4:22 pm:
Please detail what is not “true infrastructure.”
Comment by Shield Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 4:44 pm
Rep. Davis.
LOL
Comment by danray Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 6:15 pm
Nothing for any public transportation projects? Unless it’s under a heading that isn’t very clear to me.
Comment by Levois J Monday, Nov 8, 21 @ 8:04 pm
Mr Davis demonstrates the current gop mindset. Not able or has no interest in rational thought or analysis. ‘Anti-Everything’ is easy.
Comment by sal-says Tuesday, Nov 9, 21 @ 7:05 am
If not Davis and LaHood, hopefully Mayor Langfelder was able to get it in gear and help pull some strings and secure some money to finally finish the MacArthur extension south of I-72 to Woodside and Iron Bridge roads, providing another Springfield-Chatham link and completing a project that should have been completed 10-12 years ago.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Nov 9, 21 @ 8:16 am