To Fix Roads, Bridges, and Public Buildings, Illinois Decides to 'Think Big'

First-term Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker succeeded in building support for his $45 billion, "think big" capital investment agenda in the Illinois State Legislature.

1 minute read

June 4, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

It's a new day in Springfield, Illinois. | Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Jamie Munks and Rick Pearson report:

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned its spring session Sunday and delivered first-term Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “think big” agenda as the Senate voted to raise motorists’ taxes and fees and embark upon a massive statewide gambling expansion that included a Chicago casino and legalized sports betting to pay for new roads, bridges and public buildings.

Munks and Pearson describe that $45 billion capital construction plan as the state’s "first major public works program in a decade."

"The public works plan, which won plaudits of traditional Republican-oriented business groups, would be paid for through a variety of sources, including a doubling of the current 19-cent-per-gallon state motor fuel tax, last raised in 1990, and it would be indexed to future increases in inflation," according to the article.

FULL STORY: Illinois Senate approves legalizing sports betting, gambling expansion and funding for nearly $45 billion capital construction p

Monday, June 3, 2019 in Chicago Tribune

Government / Politics Infrastructure Urban Development Illinois State Legislature Gov. J.B. Pritzker Gas Tax Capital Investments Infrastructure Investments Think Big View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.