Naperville's number one
priority: Getting a Capital Bill passed
down in Springfield.
Capital Bill hot topic from NAHC meeting

Illinois is way over due for a Capital Bill. The state has waited nine years to get a Capital Bill passed, and if one is not passed this year it could take another four years. The state may put themselves at risk of loosing $9.3 billion in federal funds without a bill passed in 2008.

The city of Naperville has a major role in getting this bill passed since it is the fourth largest city in Illinois. Mayor Pradel has been appointed as a member of the Illinois Works Coalition Steering Committee this spring and is working to inform other mayors about the importance of getting the Capital Bill passed.

Illinois Works Coalition is a $25 billion capital improvement program
designed to make crucial investments in our schools, roads, bridges,
airports and transit systems. These investments will help improve the
quality of Naperville living and create thousands of new jobs.

Mayor Pradel thinks we can get a Capital Bill passed but he feels we need to
add pressure to Springfield, "We need to put their feet to the fire," Mayor
Pradel said.

This is exactly why Darlene Senger, councilwoman for City of Naperville and
Mike Connelly, 96th Representative for DuPage County are planning on going
down to Springfield this year. Both Senger and Connelly feel it is
important to go down to Springfield to get things done.

"We got money back from Washington and we should look at the last bill that
was passed and see how it was done," said Senger.

"The Democrats mistrust Governor Rod Blagojevich," said Connelly. "From my
understanding all the projects will be done project by project."

The city of Naperville is focused on three main projects:

* Route 59 Expansion
* STAR Line
* Expansion of Interstate 55

These projects could be funded by the Capitol Bill. That is why Naperville
is urging the State Legislature to approve the bill for 2008.

Residents in Illinois that want to support the Capitol Bill can do so by
writing a letter or emailing their local legislator. Voters can also go to
the Illinois Works Coalition website to read any new updates.

NCTV17's Shannon Coughlin Reports

www.illinoisworkscoalition.com