Kane County Reporter

As lawmakers reconvene in Springfield for the final days of the veto session, public transit funding remains a key concern. Chicago-area transit agencies recently released updated 2026 budgets indicating that while the anticipated “fiscal cliff” has been postponed, there is still an urgent need for a long-term state funding solution.

The combined budget shortfall for the CTA, Metra, and Pace was initially projected at $771 million but has now been revised to $230 million. This reduction is attributed to increased sales tax collections from online purchases, fare hikes, and internal cost-saving measures. These actions have delayed the funding crisis from early 2026 to later in the year; however, reserve funds are being depleted rapidly.

CTA and Metra expect their reserves to be exhausted by late 2026, with Pace’s reserves lasting into 2027. Without legislative intervention, regional deficits could reach $834 million in 2027 and $937 million in 2028. This scenario poses risks to service levels, maintenance efforts, and overall regional mobility.

Senator Don DeWitte (R-West Dundee), Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Transportation Committee, commented on these developments: "As you may have heard, Chicago-area transit agencies have released updated 2026 budgets showing that while the region’s 'fiscal cliff' has been delayed, the need for a long-term state funding solution remains urgent. As the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Transportation Committee, it is certainly an issue I am following very closely."

Lawmakers discussed public transit reform during a recent hearing held in the first week of veto session. A new set of revenue proposals was presented as legislators consider whether additional revenue streams or structural reforms are needed to maintain financial sustainability for public transportation.

In their new budgets for 2026, CTA, Metra, and Pace plan fare increases ranging from 25 cents up to 13%, alongside further cost reductions aimed at extending reserve funds.

Senator DeWitte also addressed manufacturing leaders at an Executive Forum and Legislative Update event sponsored by the Valley Industrial Association. He shared concerns about potential changes to federal manufacturing and infrastructure legislation: "As discussions continue in Illinois about potentially 'decoupling' or breaking apart key elements of the comprehensive federal manufacturing and infrastructure package, I am growing increasingly concerned about what that would mean for Illinois manufacturers. This federal legislation was carefully designed so that its pieces work together... Pulling out individual components... would weaken the entire framework that helps manufacturers grow, compete, and hire here in Illinois."

He emphasized challenges faced by small- and mid-sized manufacturers: "Manufacturers depend on a stable and predictable environment to make long-term investments. Many of the manufacturers we rely on are small and mid-sized businesses that don’t have the margin to absorb unexpected costs or delays. Decoupling would make it harder for them to plan for the future..."

Additionally, new legislation—Senate Bill 2706—has been introduced aiming to update property tax valuation formulas for wind and solar energy projects. The bill proposes raising base values used in property tax assessments from $360,000 per megawatt (wind) and $218,000 per megawatt (solar) to $588,000 (wind) and $446,000 (solar) starting with tax year 2026.

DeWitte was elected as a Republican representative of Illinois’ 33rd Senate District in 2018 after succeeding Karen McConnaughay.

(https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=2973)

According to Senator DeWitte: "New legislation has been filed to ensure wind and solar energy companies are paying their fair share in property taxes... Senate Bill 2706 updates the state’s outdated property tax valuation formula for renewable energy projects..."

SB 2706 is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.