Gov. Pritzker Proposes $41.5B Bill For Infrastructure, Roads

Chicagoland’s Worst Potholes: WBEZ Listeners Chime In
Motorists traveling on Chicago's Austin Ave. dodge potholes and pass a hubcap as the effects of a harsh winter continue to challenge the city's infrastructure on Feb. 12, 2014. Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press
Chicagoland’s Worst Potholes: WBEZ Listeners Chime In
Motorists traveling on Chicago's Austin Ave. dodge potholes and pass a hubcap as the effects of a harsh winter continue to challenge the city's infrastructure on Feb. 12, 2014. Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

Gov. Pritzker Proposes $41.5B Bill For Infrastructure, Roads

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has proposed a $41.5 billion capital bill to improve the state’s roads, transportation and infrastructure that relies on a litany of new or increased taxes and fees.

The six-year plan would double the state’s current gasoline tax, hike vehicle registration fees, increase charges for cable and streaming services and add a $1 surcharge for using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft.

Dubbed “Rebuild Illinois,” it’s the first multi-billion-dollar infrastructure plan in Illinois since 2009.

In Chicago, some of the funds would be used to address rail congestion and traffic-related delays as well as to fix up the CTA’s Cottage Grove stop on the Green Line.

Morning Shift breaks down everything you need to know about Gov. Pritzker’s capital bill.

GUEST: Tony Arnold, WBEZ state politics reporter