Kane County needs a new capital bill

Northern Illinois is home to some of the fastest growing counties in the nation, as my constituents in Kane County know well. That growth puts an added strain on our transportation network, education system and community services. And it means that we have to invest in our roads, bridges, schools and other aspects of our infrastructure to keep our economy strong and protect our quality of life.

Unfortunately, it has been nine years since Illinois last passed a capital bill to rebuild our state -- and we cannot afford to wait any longer. Beyond the pressing need to invest in our communities, we must act now in order to access vital federal dollars that have already been secured for our state -- dollars that Illinois taxpayers should see reinvested at home.

That is why I have joined our former Congressman, Dennis Hastert, and community leaders from throughout the state on an Illinois Works task force aimed at ensuring passage of a capital bill. In coming weeks, we will be traveling Illinois and meeting with business owners, workers, educators, parents and others to raise awareness and build consensus.

An IWC "Listening Session Event" has been planned for Kane, DeKaIb and Kendall counties from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 28, at FONA International, 1900 Averill Road, Geneva. Our state senators and congressmen have been invited to attend this formal briefing and public meeting along with other elected officials, local and regional, chambers of commerce, economic developers, school and library districts, fire protection district chiefs and labor officials.

Working together, we can get this done -- and ensure a stronger Illinois today and for years to come.

Karen McConnaughay

Chairman

Kane County Board

Geneva