By Kelly Liebmann -
This fall Illinois voters will make a choice on the ballot whether to support a constitutional amendment which would create a “lockbox” to prevent Illinois government from raiding transportation funds.
The legislation has been praised by politicians from both sides of the isle as a way to prevent them from raising taxes again. The amendment would guarantee all revenue raised through motor fuel tax, tollways, licenses and vehicle registration fees could only be spent on transportation projects, mass transportation, etc. and will not be diverted to fund other purposes.
Make no mistake Illinois taxpayers, this amendment does not protect funding for roads as our snake oil salesmen politicians would like you to believe. Monies from the lockbox will also be spent on government waste, planning, salaries, and any “necessary” projects our wonderful leaders choose.
We wouldn’t need a “lockbox” constitutional amendment if politicians in Springfield would do their jobs and provide a truly balanced budget. This amendment will do nothing to help Illinois’ dire financial woes.
What is also worrisome to me is supporters of the amendment: The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, construction groups, and unions have raised $1.2 million for an awareness campaign to educate voters on the “correct way” to vote.
I will be voting “no” on the binding “lockbox” referendum this fall. Public pensions are guaranteed by the Illinois Constitution. How it that working out for us?
Kelly Liebmann lives in Wonder Lake, Illinois
