80,000 Pound Access Almost a Reality
The capital plan to fund infrastructure projects in Illinois is sitting on Governor Quinn's desk. It contains a provision to provide 80,000 lbs access on Illinois roads. Yes, it's true! It also contains language to make our interstates a uniform 65 mph speed limit for cars and trucks. The trade-offs include hikes in liquor taxes and increases in various vehicle licensing, title and registration fees. The fines for running overweight (over 80,000 lbs) would also double. The Governor has not yet signed the bill as he continues to urge the General Assembly to also send him a budget bill to plug the state's 11.5 billion dollar operating budget deficit. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 29th.