Governor Quinn signs $31 Billion ‘Illinois Jobs Now!'Governor Quinn signs $31 Billion ‘Illinois Jobs Now!'

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law bills that create the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, which will revive the state's ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. At a bill signing ceremony, Governor Quinn stressed this is the first statewide capital construction effort to become law in over a decade.

"This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what's needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs," said Governor Quinn. "Illinois Jobs Now! provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities."

Governor Quinn added that Illinois Jobs Now! will create many new "green" weatherization jobs, protect and improve the state's fresh water supplies, and advance high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis, which will cut down on auto traffic and emissions.

"With Illinois Jobs Now!, our state rises to the challenge of building a viable green economy for the 21st Century that serves our people and strengthens our businesses," said Governor Quinn.

During the signing ceremony at Marshall High School, Governor Quinn expressed appreciation and thanks to the leaders of the General Assembly for their important role in passing Illinois Jobs Now! The Governor also thanked members of the General Assembly, organized labor, business groups and community activists for their support of Illinois Jobs Now!

Also speaking at the signing ceremony: Chicago Mayor Richard Daley; Republican Senate Leader Christine Radogno; Republican House Leader Tom Cross; President of the Illinois AFL-CIO Michael Carrigan; President of the Chicago Federation of Labor Dennis Gannon; President of the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council Tom Villanova; President & CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Jerry Roper; CEO of United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) Juan Rangel; and Vice-President of Policy at the Center for Neighborhood Technology Jacky Grimshaw.

Governor Quinn stated that passing a major jobs and capital construction plan is a vital component of reviving Illinois's economy. During his remarks, Governor Quinn again asserted that financing the Illinois Jobs Now! program calls for stabilizing Illinois' entire economy by passing a balanced state budget.

"Illinois Jobs Now! gets people back to work during a time of economic calamity," said Governor Quinn. "But our job does not end with signing these bills into law. The General Assembly must pass a balanced budget that makes essential cuts and cost efficiencies, while also providing for our most vulnerable and needy residents."

Statewide Project

Highlights

Illinois Jobs Now! will:

Invest $31 billion in the Illinois economy over six years

Access over $3.7 billion in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds

Support over 439,000 Illinois jobs

Project highlights include:

$14.3 billion for roads and bridges, highlights include:

$9.8 billion for the multiyear road program

$4 billion for new projects

$500 million for local projects

$7 billion for developing a 21st century transportation network, highlights include:

$2.7 billion to Chicago-area public transit and $300 million to downstate transit districts, leveraging up to $2.7 billion in additional federal funds

$400 million for high-speed rail, which could access up to $2 billion in ARRA funds

$380 million for airport improvements and $110.5 million for the third airport project

$322 million for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE)

$150 million for conventional intercity rail transit (AMTRAK)

$10 million for an electrification transportation alternative fuel car-sharing program

$3.6 billion for preschool thru 12th grade education, highlights include:

$3 billion for the school construction program

$200 million for the school maintenance program

$196 million for charter schools

$100 million for a new school energy efficiency retrofit program

$75 million for vocational education at Chicago Public Schools

$45 million for a new early childhood facilities program

$10 million for student laptop computers

$1.5 billion for higher education, highlights include:

$788 million for public universities

$400 million for community colleges

$300 million for private universities

$830 million for community development, highlights include:

$300 million for park and recreational facilities

$150 million for health care facilities

$130 million for affordable housing, including projects for veterans and people with disabilities

$100 million for museums

$100 million for public libraries

$50 million for community health center construction

$2.5 billion for economic development projects, highlights include:

$715 million for state facilities

$425 million for weatherization and energy efficiency programs

$50 million for broadband deployment

$38 million for River's Edge and Brownfield projects to clean up contaminated sites

$25 million for Prime Sites program to develop local infrastructure and create jobs

$15 million for creation or retention of jobs in economically depressed areas

$10 million for fresh food program to bring grocery stores and other fresh food retailers into communities that need them

$1.3 billion for environmental projects, highlights include:

$516 million for the drinking and wastewater revolving loans

$250 million for projects such as levees, flood walls and drainage structures

$225 million for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

$128 million for Army Corp restoration programs

$75 million for leaking underground storage tank program

$41 million for dam removal and repair

$25 million for open land trust program

$10 million for dam safety programs

$8 million for "mud to parks" park restoration program

ILLINOIS JOBS NOW!

Revenue Summary

Funding for the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan will be provided by a combination of state debt, and federal and local matching funds. The 20-year bonds issued to provide funding for the State's $13 billion share of this six-year capital program will be supported from fee and tax increases listed below:

Roads and Bridges

Road Fund Support

Existing monies deposited into the Road Fund will provide up to $150 million per year for the repayment of the debt

Public Transit, Education, Economic Development, Higher Education, State Facilities,

Environment, Energy

and Technology

Motor Vehicle Title Fees (Certificate of Title & Transfer of Registration)

$112 million annually - Certificate of Title fees increase from $65 to $105

$10 million annually - Transfer of registration fees increase from $15 to $30

License Plate Fees (Motor Vehicle Registration)

$180 million annually - Passenger and Truck B registration fees increase from $79 to $99

Drivers' License Fees

$20 million annually - Doubling of all drivers' license fees

Sales Tax Revenue Enhancements

$39 million annually - Candy

$14 million annually -