Senator Sandoval Convenes
Chicago Public Transportation Leaders to avert a possible crisis  State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-12), Chairman
of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, convened a meeting with
Chicago transportation leaders looking for alternative solutions to fare hikes,
service cuts and pending lay-offs at the CTA system. Pictured facing at left: Rep.
Julie Hamos (D-18), Mass Transit Committee Chairperson; Senator Sandoval; CTA
President Richard Rodriguez and the new CTA Chairman Terry Peterson.
Springfield,
Illinois - Senator Martin Sandoval (D-12) continues to look for ways to prevent
bus and train service cuts and reductions in Chicago, announced by the CTA in
order to close a $300 million budget gap. So far approximately 2000 layoff
notices have been sent to drivers and other union employees with a warning that
those positions could be axed in the next two months.
Senator
Sandoval, Chairman of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, convened a
meeting with Chicago transportation leaders, among them Rep. Julie Hamos (D-18),
Mass
Transit Committee Chairperson; CTA President Richard Rodriguez and the new CTA
Chairman Terry Peterson, looking
for alternative solutions.
"A
$300 million shortfall is unconscionable. The
nation is in crisis but raising fares is an unjust move to students and working
families. During the present veto session in Springfield I will make this topic
one of my top priorities," said Senator Sandoval who represents the 12th Legislative District
that covers the Southwest Side of Chicago, including the cities of Cicero,
Berwyn and Stickney.
CTA President Rodriguez blamed the
battered economy, which has cut into sales taxes and real-estate transfer
taxes.
"This economy is taking its toll on
everyone," Rodriguez said. If that doomsday
scenario becomes a reality it would affect more than one million riders a day.
|
