Politics

Politicians Continue Finger-Pointing Over CTA

Legislators Had Promised A Transit Deal By Monday, But A Resolution Looks Increasingly Unlikely

CHICAGO (CBS) ― One week ago Illinois lawmakers avoided 'doomsday' by finding enough cash to keep the Chicago Transit Authority and suburban Pace buses running until early next year.

And as CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, they also promised to find a long-term solution by Monday.

As he left a gathering in Glenview, Gov. Rod Blagojevich gave reporters his version of why the state's political leaders are likely to miss a self-imposed deadline to do a deal on transit funding by Monday.

"Speaker Madigan promised the RTA last week the legislature would come up with a long term solution in seven to 10 days," Blagojevich said. "These things are not that difficult. It's really a question whether or not people quit playing games playing politics and do things for people."

The governor and his staff point to last week's letter, signed by House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones and House Republican Leader Tom Cross saying, "We are committed to working over the next seven to 10 days ... (toward) enacting a long-term comprehensive public transit plan."

Asked about that, Madigan's spokesman Steve Brown responded: "Seven to 10 days? That language was from Tom Cross."

Said Cross spokesman David Dring: "We will not play the finger pointing game Mr. Brown and Mr. Madigan enjoy ... we're going to focus on coming to an agreement."

With political tension between the governor and Mayor Richard M. Daley growing increasingly evident, Blagojevich Friday challenged him to participate personally in negotiations over using proceeds from a new Chicago casino, in part, to plug holes in transit funding.

In a letter to legislative leaders Friday, the governor wrote: "I invite each of you along with ... Mayor (Daley) to a meeting in my Chicago office...Wednesday."

Just what will happen next Wednesday is unclear, with Daley's press office saying they are unaware of the governor's invitation to join the legislative leaders.

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