January 18. 2008

Springfield …After nine months of contentious debate, the Democrat-controlled House and Senate accepted Governor Blagojevich’s amendatory veto changes to the mass transit bill. In exchange for hundreds of millions of dollars to be poured into the CTA, area residents of DuPage, Will and other collar counties will now pay more in taxes on the purchase of clothes and other necessities.

“It’s a sad day for the residents of DuPage and surrounding collar counties. Once again, the state is bailing out the fiscally irresponsible and mismanaged Chicago Transit Authority with DuPage County paying a disproportionate share,” Reboletti said. “The Democrats have complete control of this state. Once again, their policy of higher taxes and fees on the middle class has prevailed over responsible leadership.”

House Bill 656 will increase the sales tax in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties bringing in a projected $500 million for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The RTA is comprised of the CTA, Metra and Pace. Forty-eight percent of the projected revenue would be used for CTA operations.

Additional questions can be directed to Rep. Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.

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