Macomb, IL – A public forum on a proposed new capital bill for Illinois, drew a standing room only crowd at Macomb's City Hall.
The forum was hosted by Republican Representatives Rich Myers, Don Moffitt, Jil Tracy, and Dan Brady of Bloomington. They listened to the outcry from the public on what is needed to improve the West-Central Illinois region.
West Prairie Water Co-Op President George Dixon says getting water to the rural and small town residents of McDonough County is a serious quality of life issue. Dixon says less than ten percent of the wells in the rural areas and small towns would pass the health standards. Dixon says the co-op is trying to provide water to an additional 500 households, which will cost 6-million dollars. He would like to see some state funding for that.
Many others at the forum voiced their concerns about deteriorating roadways and improvements needed for schools.
A funding source for the capital bill continues to be the major problem. At the discussion, a variety of ideas for the funding of a capital bill were discussed, such as an increase on license fees, or an increase on the gas, sales, or income tax.
Governor Rod Blagojevich has proposed the leasing of the state lottery to fund the capital bill, but Republican Representative Jil Tracy told the crowd if the state were to take away a long term revenue source, such as the lottery, it has to be replaced with something else.
Tracy says it is important for groups to continue to speak out and let it be known what is needed and what would be considered a desired and appropriate revenue stream.