Three groups with a focus on maintaining public safety have endorsed the “Safe Roads Amendment.” AAA Chicago, American Public Works Association-Illinois Chapter (APWA-IL), and Citizen Action/Illinois have endorsed the proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution, which would protect taxes and fees collected for transportation purposes.
The “Safe Roads Amendment” will be the first question on the ballot in November. Voters are being asked whether to approve a constitutional amendment that would protect transportation taxes and fees, like the gas tax and vehicle registration fees, so that they can only be used for transportation purposes.
“Over the past 13 years, over $6 billion of the taxes and fees Illinois collects for transportation purposes has been spent somewhere else. This has further decayed Illinois’ infrastructure system, leading to quality of life and safety concerns like poor pavement and decaying transit stations,” said Doug House, Past President of APWA-IL.
Illinois has over 4200 bridges and over half of pavement miles in poor condition, according to the US Department of Transportation. Poor pavement increases the cost of driving in Illinois by over $500, according to TRIP, a national research group. It is not just drivers affected by poor pavement. Bus passengers, bicyclists, and the truck companies that deliver goods are all affected.
“Citizen Action/Illinois supports this proposed amendment because we believe it is a step toward a better Illinois. Illinois residents rely on safe roads, good transit, and safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to access employment, education, and so much more. This proposed amendment would help ensure the infrastructure we rely on continues to be maintained and expanded,” said William McNary, Co-Director of Citizen Action/Illinois.
Dubbed the “Safe Roads Amendment,” the amendment would also protect transit and active transportation spending and would ensure transportation taxes and fees going to Springfield are spent as promised.
Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago, stated, “AAA Chicago is encouraging a “yes” vote in order to better protect our transportation infrastructure. A national transportation research group found better infrastructure reduces costs to motorists and improves safety. Illinois cannot risk allowing its infrastructure to age and decay further.”
AAA Chicago, APWA-IL, and Citizen Action/Illinois join a coalition of groups supporting the Safe Roads Amendment, including groups from across the political spectrum, Chambers of Commerce, and agricultural groups. Supporters have a website, www.saferoadsamendment.com, and social media accounts.
