End power struggle and pass capital bill

Two weeks ago, the Illinois Works Coalition unveiled its recommendations for a $34 billion capital bill.

We are pleased to report that during the last week of this legislative session, there was great movement with broad bipartisan support for a capital bill.

The Senate passed both the spending and funding aspects of the capital bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan 50-1 vote.

It then went to the House, where the two major sources of funding were taken up in committee. The leasing of the lottery failed to pass out of the House Revenue Committee, while the House Gaming Committee approved the gaming expansion bill.

Illinois House Democrats then chose to use a parliamentary procedure to table the bill, effectively ending further debate and any chance of the bill passing during the regular session.

Numerous business, labor, political and community leaders agreed to support the capital bill's efforts without concern to picking sides or personalities.

However, I must now ask -- when is the power struggle going to end?

Why not establish a capital bill presented with projects specifically identified, if trust of the governor is the main sticking point?

The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association stands ready to work, stimulate the economy and generate additional tax revenues.

Illinois is at risk of losing $9 billion if we do not act quickly to match federal highway fund dollars.

Other states are watching, hoping we fail to come to some conclusion, which will ultimately result in larger portions of distribution to their infrastructure needs.

A simple suggestion strongly goes out to our legislative leaders and governor: Get to work and pass the capital bill before it is too late.

Please do not fail our businesses, employees and families of Illinois.

Paul H. Cerpa

Executive Director

Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Chicago