Governor Quinn Announces Economic Jumpstart; Job Creation through Capital Plan Legislation a first step to addressing overdue road construction projects

CHICAGO – April 3, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed House Bill 289 to jumpstart Illinois’ economy and create thousands of jobs through much-needed road construction projects. “Illinois has suffered from 10 years without a capital plan. In just 10 weeks we were able to put a plan together that will get people working again this construction season,” said Governor Quinn. “The Jump Start Capital Plan is going to create jobs, strengthen our economy and address our State’s overdue road construction needs.” This milestone legislation grants the State $3 billion in bond authorization to make critical improvements to roads, bridges and mass transit. Together, the Jump Start Capital Plan and the first round of stimulus transportation funding, which Illinois is now authorized to start spending, will create and retain approximately 60,000 jobs. The Jump Start Capital Plan is the first piece of Illinois Jobs Now!, a $26 billion jobs plan that will support 340,000 jobs, and a part of the Governor’s comprehensive plan to lead Illinois to economic recovery. Illinois must use every available resource to quickly address this economic crisis, including a strong, honest budget; a long-overdue jobs program; and a targeted approach to leveraging national stimulus funds. The Quinn Administration looks forward to working with the General Assembly to pass the comprehensive Illinois Jobs Now! program.