Ill. delegation wants lawmakers to stop fighting

Hat-tip Newsalert. Surely they're not the only ones who wants the bickering to stop. From the St. Louis Post Dispatch...

Illinois' entire congressional delegation joined the pleas Monday urging the governor and state lawmakers to end months of acrimony and pass a capital spending bill.

Legislators return to work today in a Capitol building that remains hotly divided. A sign of the times, state House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said in a Chicago radio interview Friday that the atmosphere in Springfield was "frosty" and predicted that the state government could be in for a repeat of last year's overtime summer budget session.

The legislative leaders and the governor's office seem to agree on only one point: The last capital construction bill was passed in 1999 and state roads, bridges, schools and more could sorely use a new one.

Hence, a letter signed by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama, both Democrats, along with the state's 19 representatives in Congress, Republican and Democrat alike.

"With each passing month, it becomes more apparent that our constituents want — and deserve — a new capital bill that addresses our state's extensive infrastructure needs," the letter reads. "Whether driving over multiple potholes or waiting for a late train or bus, Illinois residents are voicing their dissatisfaction with the status quo."

It's not the first time prominent officials have pleaded with Illinois lawmakers to put aside their differences. Both Durbin and Obama have made the suggestion previously.

But the question is and apparently has always been how to pay for it. Various proposals include more casinos or gaming positions, which has some support from some sides; leasing all or part of the lottery, which has enthusiastic support from Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Chicago Democrat; and some form of an income tax increase, which has fierce opposition from the governor.

The bickering last year forced the legislative session, which traditionally ends May 31, into August. At one point, Blagojevich and state House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, were practically not speaking. Even the friendly relations between the governor and state Senate President Emil Jones Jr., D-Chicago, were tested. Republicans Cross and Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, had to play peacemaker for a while.

The congressional delegation has an added concern: hundreds of millions of federal dollars for infrastructure remain in limbo, unmatched by the state. And more than a few officials fear that those dollars could dry up if intra-Springfield fighting continues.