b'Illinois economic success relies upon access to a reliable, accountable, and safe mass transit system built for the future, but we need to get it right on governance and revenue As seen in the Chicago TribuneWelcome to the Chamber Annual Luncheon On January 10, 2008, during herthat the proposal was a step in the rightgroups, advisory councils, and other closing remarks before the passage ofdirection, we respectfully urged thetask forces. However, there is a long House Bill 656, the 2008 comprehen- legislature to keep pushing for addi- history in the State of advisory sive mass transit reform legislation,tional reforms, efficiencies, and mean- bodies not resulting in real reform. former State Representative Julieingful solutions. We renew that call to Government Coordination: Hamos stated that the legislation wouldtoday to review the following areas.Agencies at every level of govern-provide for better regional planning, Transparency and Account- ment are responsible for mass transit. fiscal oversight, and fare service coordi- ability: While the creation of theFrom planning to zoning, to capital nation. Representative Hamos furtherNorthern Illinois Transit Authoritydevelopment, and public safety, all touted job creation, congestion reduc- provides some additional oversight,levels of government have a stake tion, downstate transit assistance, andwe would like to see additional toolsand responsibility. We would like to focus on accessibility as key outcomesto ensure multi-system account- see greater emphasis on fostering of the legislation. Indeed, this legisla- ability, especially when consideringcollaboration between these munici-tion was widely believed to establish athat the four systems employ nearlypal, County, and State agencies on all new, lasting governance structure for15,000 employees. Replacing theaspects of transit. the mass transit systems in the north- existing RTA Board could lead to im- Businesses understand that gov-eastern part of the State; as the sponsorprovements; however, it is difficult toernment is not free. There is a cost provided, if all goes well, we will nevertrust that this alone will create resultsto providing quality levels of service. have to discuss mass transit again. Asacross the system. Moreover, whileHowever, it is paramount that busi-we look work to resolve a similar crisisnew board member qualifications,nesses and residents throughout the today, I hope we learn from history andvoting thresholds, budget-makingState clearly understand the following:enact true, lasting reforms. processes, debt issuance limitations,1. What is the spending plan?I would like to take a moment toprocurement standards, and addi- 2. How will revenues be allocated?applaud the commitment of the masstional auditing powers are steps in3. What new services will be transit leaders in the Illinois Senatethe right direction, the existing pro- promised to riders?and Illinois House. Senator Ramposal does not appear to have enough4. What projects will be funded?Villivalam, Leader Eva-Dina Delga- emphasis on adopting best practices,5. What accountability measures do, and Leader Kam Buckner haveemploying truly independent, regularwill be put in place to ensure efficacy?demonstrated an unquestionableoversight, and fostering a structureAt a time when taxpayers have commitment to getting it right andthat creates agency-wide accountabil- been forced to deal with the lingering hearing from stakeholders. ity or corrective action.effects of inflation (and recent signs In April, the Illinois Chamber of Public Safety: Outside of theof continuing rising costs), interna-Commerce published its 10 businesssignificant issues related to publictional trade uncertainty, challenging principles to mass transit reformtransit reliability, the ridership ex- policies coming out of Washing-that we shared with our electedperience has been most impacted byton D.C., and recent tax increases leaders to consider as they evaluatedthe lack of public safety aboard busesenacted both locally and at the State solutions to address the loomingand trains. While it is encouraginglevel, with additional onerous tax $770 million mass transit fundingto see the creation of bodies suchproposals being considered at City cliff (a sum that has recently beenas the NITA Law Enforcement TaskHall, Illinoisians deserve to have partially reduced) and worked toForce and the Office of Transit Safetyclear answers ahead of significant tax create a more accountable, safe, andand Experience, the real or perceivedincreases being considered.reliable mass transit system. Thesethreat to public safety requires an im- We urge our elected leaders to ten guiding principles have beenmediate and comprehensive responsecontinue identifying reasonable cost the lens by which the Chamber hasthat does not appear to be sufficientlyefficiencies and spending reforms, evaluated mass transit proposals,addressed in the existing legislation.true governance reform, and a fiscal-including House Bill 3438. Service Reliability: HB 3438ly responsible approach to revenue. Unfortunately, the Chambercreates several coordination or policy opposed HB 3438. While we believeddevelopment committees, working SEPTEMBER 20253'