It’s no secret that Cook County’s finances are seriously challenged. As the region debates solutions, now is a time for our leaders to make a bold statement and seize a great opportunity to invest in the Chicago region’s future while addressing the problems of the past. 

Right now, as you are reading this, Cook County Commissioners are struggling mightily with a proposal for a one percent sales tax increase that would primarily fund pensions, but it would also open the door for other sorely needed investments to keep the region economically viable. Amidst this struggle is a great opportunity to restructure an antiquated vehicle fuel tax diversion to fund transit expansion and our region’s future economic sustainability.

The vote takes place tomorrow, July 15. Email your commissioner to tell them to support transit expansion.

One simple change in the County’s financial structure would result in new transit investment, taking the first step to propel our region to be on par with other major cities that are ahead of us in upgrading and expanding their public transit systems.

Transit Future, a campaign led by CNT and the Active Transportation Alliance, has a bold vision for a comprehensive transit system that connects Chicagoland’s job centers to communities across the region. Transit Future builds on our current infrastructure to fill in our system’s gaps. It pulls together the best thinking of local residents, transportation experts, and leaders in businesses and the community. It’s been endorsed by seven sitting Cook County Commissioners, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a host of suburban chambers and most recently by the Chicago City Council. It’s ready to go.

What’s needed are the investment dollars to start building. And we can start that investment now.

After approving this sales tax increase, Cook County Commissioners must look to the future and reallocate Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax revenue back to its intended goal: transportation infrastructure. This is the critical next step in funding the region’s transit future.  

Investing in transit now will pay off big time by generating economic growth and reducing the amount families spend on transportation. In Cook County, that’s 15 to 25 percent of the average household’s annual income. Investing in transit could reduce that by $510 per month, or $6,116 per household per year.

Expanding our transit network will end transit deserts and stimulate economic development around new station areas. Plus, our roads, highways and bridges will work better when we reduce the number of cars that use them, cutting down on wear and tear and adding decades of use. And our quality of life will improve when we’re not wasting our time tied up in traffic.

The time is now to invest in a fast, efficient, comprehensive transit system for our region’s future since Cook County is restructuring its financing. We need to act. 

Tell your Cook County Commissioner to pass the sales tax increase and ensure that our region is economically competitive by investing in public transit expansion.

Share this on Facebook or Twitter. Spread the word to your family, friends and colleagues – everyone who shares a commitment to Cook County’s Transit Future.