Illinois Public Transit Funding Bills

This guest blog article is by Brother Christopher Campisi, Local 308 Union Steward and Rail Car Repairer

I found several bills in Springfield that will affect fares, governance, funding and most importantly the safety of the riders and workers at the CTA, Pace and Metra. I encourage all riders and workers to read them, then contact the politicians responsible to express your support or opposition. 

It would be a courtesy for the ATU Local 308 "lobbyist" to report and educate us at the monthly membership meeting about these things. Since that never happens, I will give it a shot in as simplest as terms as possible:

Search and read the specific Bill Number at the State of Illinois website: https://www.ilga.gov/

Spending approved for some CTA projects on May 31, 2025: https://legiscan.com/IL/text/SB2510/2025 

Read the entire 214 page SB1938 (promoted by the elected union leadership). See page 66 for the "Ambassador" job.

Also review SB2963: https://legiscan.com/IL/text/HB2963/id/3104406

Chicago Sun-Times: Labor Pushes Transit Bill

Chicago ABC7: With 1 month left in session, Illinois lawmakers near deal on public transit reform

Daily Herald: ‘How is this going to work?’: Transit reform advocates far apart on major issues  

WTTW: Lawmakers grill mass transit 

WTTW: Lawmakers pitch proposal

RTA: Funding promotion website 

Labor Alliance for Public Transportation: Funding promotion website

How a Law is Made in Illinois (click image below to enlarge)

 

Conclusion

We can use the opportunity of political legislation to help the riders and workers fix the CTA. 

What would it look like if we consult the riders and workers for the TOOLS to fix the CTA? 

Our common sense and observations are the only thing that can stop the pending derailment of public transportation. 

Post your opinion and ideas in the comment box below:

 

The opinions expressed by guest bloggers here or in Shop Talk newsletter are not necessarily the opinion or sanctioned policies and actions by Brother Eric Curtis Muhammad Basir, ATU Local 308 members, elected leadership or stewards. In the spirit of the First Amendment and the ATU Obligation, all CTA workers and supporters are welcome to submit content of any point-of-view for this blog. Real identities will be hidden upon request.