Transit Funding Fix Stalls; Kane County Calls for Fairness
Legislation aimed at resolving a projected $771 million shortfall in public transit funding failed to advance in the final days of the spring legislative session, leaving the Chicago region’s transit agencies—CTA, Metra, and Pace—facing potential service cuts of up to 40%.
Before the final vote, Kane County officials took a strong stand against the proposal, criticizing it as unfair to suburban taxpayers. They held a news conference on the steps of the Kane County Third Street Courthouse in Geneva to voice their opposition. Among their chief concerns was a provision to pull back a portion of the RTA sales tax revenue currently allocated to counties like Kane, which uses its $27 million annual share to fund infrastructure projects and judicial and public safety services.
“You are going to make it more difficult for us to support victims of violence,” warned Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser.
Local leaders also objected to the bill’s proposed governance structure, which would have replaced the Regional Transportation Authority with a new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA).
Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog emphasized the need for collaboration and warned against creating a governance structure that diminished suburban representation.
“Our success depends on working together and making sure every voice is heard,” Pierog said. "By leveraging each county's strengths and resources, we can address complex issues—from economic development to infrastructure—more effectively. Working together creates solutions that benefit all, rather than fragmented efforts."
She was joined at the news conference by State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser, Sheriff Ron Hain, the mayors of Geneva, Batavia, and Elgin, and Kane County Board Members Deb Allan, Leslie Juby, Bill Lenert, Michael Linder, Chris Kious, Cherryl Strathmann, Vern Tepe, Bill Roth, and Michelle Gumz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf7divlVXI4
Planning for significant budget cuts is now expected to begin at CTA, Metra, and Pace, with public hearings anticipated in accordance with federal requirements. Potential service reductions could include the elimination of weekend and nighttime routes, as well as cutbacks to paratransit services.
Officials anticipate the transit funding debate will resume later this summer, likely before the start of the General Assembly’s fall veto session.
In the meantime, Kane County elected leaders remain on alert, saying they are prepared to defend their share of funding and push for a stronger voice in shaping the future of transit in northern Illinois.
