Senate OKs $1.6 billion loan to cover transit program

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate has approved borrowing $1.6 billion so the state doesn’t have to cut any road construction or transit projects.

That’s less than the $2.4 billion the Transportation Department wanted to hold some authority in reserve. But Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider says it will keep road crews working this summer.

The measure now moves to the House.

The borrowing power was part of the $31 billion capital construction program from 2009. But lawmakers have to approve it and Thursday is the last scheduled day of the legislative session.

Republicans balked at more borrowing because one financing source for the 2009 was to be with video poker machines in places like taverns. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office says gambling should begin by fall.