Illinois voters to see roads 'lockbox amendment' on November ballot
When Illinois voters head to the polls in November, their first ballot question won't involve U.S. presidential candidates, but a measure aimed at preventing transportation-related funding in the state from being used for other purposes.
Here's a look at the proposed constitutional amendment:
WHAT'S THE QUESTION?
Transportation-related funds — generated in part by tolls, license fees and the gas tax — have been targeted by state government for unrelated spending over the years. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition, made up of business groups and unions, estimates that since fiscal year 2003 over $6.8 billion set aside for transportation projects was spent elsewhere.
The so-called "lockbox amendment" on the Nov. 8 ballot proposes the money be used solely for transportation-related purposes, such as construction or paying debt related to transit projects. State officials have long noted Illinois' deteriorating system of roads, bridges and railways, something the Chicago-based Metropolitan Planning Council estimates it'd take $43 billion in spending over 10 years to address.
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