A historic day

By now you probably know that the House and the Senate have passed, and the governor has certified, a bill that finally gives our region a long-term funding source and gives CTA the tools it needs to address its spiraling pension and health care costs. This is a historic moment, both because it represents the culmination of 4 years of grueling work and because it sets our region on the path to sustainable, smart growth. More immediately, it also allows our riders to breathe a sigh of relief and our operators to not have to face the constant worry and fear over job loses. I am elated, and I’m proud to be the Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board today.

Finally, of course, I have to thank the Governor and the General Assembly, particularly Rep. Julie Hamos and her bipartisan House Mass Transit Committee members (both past and present), Sen. John Cullerton, Speaker Michael Madigan, President Emil Jones, and their Republican counterparts. I know what an enormous challenge this was to overcome, and I know that you have put your lives into improving regional transit. I am confident you will be remembered fondly for doing so. This was a long process, but in the end you and our entire region has a win.