The Illinois Safe Roads Alliance, a coalition of labor and business organizations from across the state, launched a significant statewide media campaign this week calling on members of the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pat Quinn to show political courage and pass the state’s first comprehensive capital bill in ten years. 

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 32 percent of the state’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and are in need of repair and 4,583 bridges are classified as functionally obsolete and/or structurally deficient. 

Investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure will keep the state competitive and rebuild its economy by putting men and women back to work.  Illinois currently faces 9.1 percent unemployment, the highest level since 1985.  According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, every $1.25 billion spent on transportation creates nearly 35,000 jobs.