“Chicago’s working families applaud the members of the Illinois General Assembly for stepping up to the plate and passing meaningful funding for our regional mass transit system, something that hasn’t been done in twenty five years.

“Thanks to the commitment and perseverance of legislators, leaders of the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace, Mayor Daley, the unions representing transit workers, and of course the workers and riders, this landmark legislation passed today will allow mass transit service to continue to serve the region without major layoffs or interruptions.

“Working families throughout the Chicago area rely heavily on mass transit, both directly and indirectly, and this legislation provides the system with the support it badly needs.”