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RTA Funding ResolutionSponsored by
THE HONORABLE LARRY SUFFREDIN, JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN P. MUPRHY, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, AND BOBBIE L. STEELE, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WHERAS, maintenance of adequate public transportation is an “essential public purpose”, as recognized by Article XIII, Section 7 of the 1970 Illinois Constitution and is in the interest of all citizens of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the preservation, improvement and expansion of public transportation services in Cook County is in the best interests of preserving the quality of life for the residents, visitors and business community of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, public transportation is a regional resource, improving the quality of life for all residents of Northeastern Illinois through reduced traffic congestion, cleaner air and a more efficient and productive economy; and
WHEREAS, as demonstrated by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board by its September 10, 2004 adoption of alternative statutory funding ordinances commencing the 2005 budget process for the RTA and its service boards, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), PACE and METRA, existing funding services and mechanisms do not provide adequate resources to maintain current transportation services; and
WHEREAS, appropriate legislative action is required to give effect to the RTA resolution and service Board alternative budget resolutions;
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board be on record as supporting Ordinances, adopted by the RTA Board September 10, 2004 and budget resolutions implementing this resolution adopted by CTA, PACE and METRA; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board concur with the RTA that the Illinois General Assembly should act to increase transit funding for all three of the transit agencies serving Cook County and the entire region, in order to avoid significant cuts in service by increasing operating funding to the levels set out by the RTA Board on September 10, 2004; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board urges the Illinois General Assembly to take such action as is necessary and appropriate to increase operating funding to the levels established by the Regional Transportation Authority on September 10, 2004; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be provided to the RTA, METRA, PACE, CTA, the Honorable Governor Blagojevich, Senator Emil Jones, Jr., President of the Illinois Senate, Representative Michael J. Madigan, Speaker of the Illinois House, Senator Frank Watson, Senate Republican Leader, Representative Tom Cross, House Republican Leader, and all of Cook County’s duly elected representatives in the General Assembly.
Approved and adopted this 3rd day of November 2004.
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JOHN H. STROGER, JR., President
Cook County Board of Commissioners
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LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioner
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