By IL Public Radio
Springfield, IL – GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH WANTS ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS TO CONSIDER A STATEWIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN WHEN THEY RETURN TO SPRINGFIELD TOMORROW (WED). BUT THERE'S NO EVIDENCE HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE WILLING TO GO ALONG.
IN A LAST DITCH ATTEMPT TO SAVE THE PROPOSAL... THE LEADING SUPPORTERS OF THE PLAN ... INCLUDING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT GLENN POSHARD ... MADE A PUBLIC PLEA.
POSHARD SAYS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS LAWMAKERS' LACK OF TRUST WITH THE BLAGOJEVICH ADMINISTRATION.HOUSE DEMOCRATS ... LED BY SPEAKER MIKE MADIGAN... BLOCKED A VOTE ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM IN MAY. BUT WITH LAWMAKERS COMING BACK TO THE CAPITAL FOR A SPECIAL SESSION... POSHARD SAYS ITS TIME TO PUT PERSONAL BICKERING ASIDE.
HE SAYS THE PLAN WOULD CREATE JOBS... BUILD NEW SCHOOLS.... IMPROVE MASS TRANSIT AND MORE. BUT IT RELIES ON CONTROVERSIAL WAYS TO RAISE REVENUE INCLUDING MORE GAMBLING THAT ARE BELIEVED TO LACK SUPPORT IN THE HOUSE.