On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chamber and the thousands of business owners, managers and employers represented by the organization, we wish to observe that effective and responsible management of an enterprise requires routine investment in the buildings, machinery, equipment and infrastructure that sustain the institution.

Every business owner and manager understands reinvestment in maintenance and modernization is a fundamental and necessary expense to assure a productive, effective and competitive enterprise.

Failure to make routine reinvestment in the assets of the enterprise is problematic, in part because deferred maintenance and neglect often results in bigger problems and higher costs at a later time.

The elected leaders of this state are the managers of a multi-billion dollar enterprise and are no less responsible for the management of this enterprise than are the CEO and managers of a multi-national corporation.

Thus, it is irrational, irresponsible and unconscionable for the elected leaders of our state to allow almost a decade to lapse without revisiting and recommitting the necessary financial resources and planning to demonstrate they are proud protectors and conscientious stewards of the taxpayers’ infrastructure assets.

We are grateful for the exceptional work and leadership demonstrated by Dennis Hastert, former Congressman and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Glen Poshard, President of Southern Illinois University and former Congressman, during the last several weeks.

These unselfish leaders and their fellow members of the Illinois Works Coalition have not only helped raise public awareness, but have also helped exhibit the magnitude of construction needs associated with a long overdue capital program for Illinois.

The Illinois Chamber acknowledges the proposition that the General Assembly needs to move forward to approve a major capital improvements plan without further delay. We further acknowledge this cannot proceed without new revenue.

It is imperative the state undertake significant investment to finance improvements in the state’s transportation networks as transportation is one of the cornerstones of the Illinois economy. Our state’s economic future depends upon modern, efficient and high quality transportation facilities.

It is incumbent upon the state to routinely maintain and upgrade the transportation network for businesses and the people of Illinois. The Illinois Chamber recognizes that moving goods, services and people is important to the state’s economy.

A multi-billion dollar infrastructure improvement program is in fact a jobs bill. It will put thousands of people to work in Illinois at a time when people need the work. This infrastructure program is an economic stimulus package.

Undertaking a major public works program in 2008 will be a significant boost at a time when there is cause to be concerned about weakness in the economy. The General Assembly should act promptly in order to still have a positive impact on the 2008 construction season.

The Illinois Chamber has determined it is imperative the General Assembly approves a capital-funding bill this year in order to assure available federal funds are not jeopardized. There are billions of dollars in federal funds at risk when the state fails to provide adequate and timely funding to match and leverage federal programs.

Furthermore, failure to act prior to the expiration of the current federal transportation bill has implications for the federal transportation re-authorization act that will get underway in earnest next year. The state’s continued inactivity verges on reckless disregard for the long-term implications federal funding has for Illinois’ infrastructure needs.

The Illinois Chamber has reviewed the revenue elements proposed by the Illinois Works Coalition lead by Mr. Poshard and Mr. Hastert and finds the several revenue proposals and reforms of the gaming board offered by the IWC reasonable, acceptable and worthy of negotiation.

The Illinois Chamber appreciates the boldness and unprecedented nature of the proposal to entertain a multi-year lease of the Illinois Lottery. The Illinois Chamber has undertaken a review of the proposal and is satisfied Governor Blagojevich’s plan should be pursued.

The Illinois Chamber will support legislation to increase the number of licensed casinos operating in Illinois, including designating one of the casinos for Chicago. The Illinois Chamber will support legislation to increase the number of gaming positions available at existing casinos, as well as authorizing electronic gaming to occur at the state’s horse race tracks. The Illinois Chamber will support legislation designating a portion of the state’s sales tax collections to the Road and Highway Construction Funds.

Finally, we would conclude the program outlined last week has not yet been fully explained and reviewed. Consequently, we reserve judgment on the spending plans and other details pending further review. Rarely, if ever, does a legislative proposal prove to be perfect when first introduced. We doubt this one is any different.

One should always ask, “How can this bill be made better?” Of particular concern to the Illinois Chamber will be the matter of accountability, ensuring financial integrity of the Road Funds and adequate funding allocations for public transportation, road and bridge construction, CREATE and maintenance of existing highways. It is our sincere hope that the final legislation will accommodate and satisfy these concerns.


The Illinois Chamber of Commerce promotes the interests of Illinois business by working to improve the state’s business climate. The Illinois Chamber aggressively advocates legislation and public policies that support economic growth, and is a source of timely and reliable information on matters important to its members, Illinois employers and the general public. The Illinois Chamber also provides effective programs and services to its 3,500+ members to meet their business needs, including immediate answers to legal and human resources concerns and access to training and consulting services.