Issue Position: Infrastructure

Issue Position

Investment in capital infrastructure has suffered in Illinois, in no small part because the bills that fund improvement projects are often filled with local pork projects that have nothing to do with updating crumbling infrastructure. Currently, the state does not have a capital spending plan and without one, the roads, bridges, and waterways through which the lifeblood of the economy flows will continue to deteriorate and economic growth that should happen may fail to materialize. Our state sits in the heart of the country. This district lies along the Interstate 70, intersected by Interstates 57 and 55. The Mississippi River and various rail networks lie within easy reach. Whether by road, river, or rail the opportunities exist for Southern Illinois towns to be a part of a logistical boom and our lawmakers needs to pull out the stops to ensure that the infrastructure is available and maintained.

It is important also to ensure that taxpayer investments in capital and infrastructure are made wisely and that our capital improvements are built to last and accommodate future growth in our communities. We have to be far-sighted in order to boost jobs, grow businesses, and prosper to our fullest potential.

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