'Safe Roads' needed to keep state moving

In this election so dominated by partisan divides, one issue is bringing together both parties and supporters from across the political spectrum.

We join the broad support for the Safe Roads Amendment as a key step on the road to repair in Springfield.

Transportation is the backbone of our state's economy. The Chicagoland region is the nation's hub for travel across all modes, from heavy trucks on our interstates to barges in the Chicago River to jets in and out of O'Hare and Midway Airports. This intricate network carries us to and from work and ensures our goods and services reach the worldwide marketplace.

For too many years, we've seen the money that we pay to fix our transportation network get spent on other needs. The cost to repair a road or bridge initially is manageable, but the damage worsens and that cost grows when those repairs are delayed year after year.

The Safe Roads Amendment puts an end to these costly diversions and says transportation money should be spent on transportation needs, period. It seems simple, but we need to vote for the amendment to make it the law of the land.

We also hope the Amendment's broad support from both parties can be a good model for compromise on the budget and the other issues we have long argued over in Springfield. Approving this Amendment should send the message that it's time to find real solutions and reasonable middle ground. Vote Yes for the Safe Roads Amendment and let's move this state forward.

Sen. Martin Sandoval, Chicago

Sen. Karen McConnaughay, St. Charles