News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2009

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

Stephens announces infrastructure improvement plan

Plan will create jobs without the use of tax increases

Springfield… Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland) is supporting a plan designed to bring about much needed road, bridge and school improvements without the use of tax increases. The plan is also designed to create new jobs within Illinois.

“Illinois has needed a new capital plan for quite some time. Roads, bridges and schools are in desperate need of repair or replacement. Just yesterday the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported our unemployment rate has grown to 7.9 percent,” Rep. Stephens said. “We need to put people back to work, and the capital plan we are proposing will feasibly do just that in a responsible way.”

The plan proposed by Stephens and Republican Leadership will generate the needed revenue through a variety of different ways, none of which requiring tax increases.

“The options outlined in our plan would generate approximately $1 billion in state revenue each year, allowing for a $12 billion bonding program for roads, bridges, schools, mass transit and other infrastructure priorities,” Stephens said. “Our plan will allow the state to put into place a $26 billion capital program and access needed federal funds.”

The plan initially calls for an end to Road Fund diversions. Currently as much as $700 million that is designated for road and bridge improvements is being diverted to other projects. Additionally, a constitutional amendment will be drafted to make sure the Road Fund can no longer be raided through funding diversions.

The re-diverted revenue will be replaced in the General Revenue Fund through a variety of options, including a new Chicago casino, slot machines at racetracks, and legalizing video poker.

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“The options we’ve proposed would generate as much as $1.5 billion in funding,” Stephens said. “While I am not typically in favor of expanding gaming, we need to be open to ideas that have enough support to pass into law and will bring about the results Illinois needs.”

Stephens said he supports this plan because it does not call for any tax increases.

“I am firmly opposed to any tax and fee increases for capital with the economy the way it currently is,” Stephens said. “We need to consider all other alternatives before looking at tax and fee increases. To do anything else would be irresponsible and dangerous.”

Stephens emphasized a capital plan needs to be implemented quickly in order for Illinois to benefit.

“The Democrat leadership is quick to say that Illinois needs a capital plan, but no one ever wants to do the work to bring a plan to the table for discussion,” Stephens said. “Our side has produced a plan. We don’t have time to wait if we really want to raise the necessary money to begin these projects and put people back to work.”

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