Senator Hutchinson is Illinois’ Most Successful Advocate for Public Transportation

STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION HONORS TOI WITH LEGISLATIVE AWARD

State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) was named the Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Public Transportation Association (IPTA) at an awards ceremony on Monday evening. She was singled out for her hard work to promote safe, affordable, and accessible public transportation for the state of Illinois.

According to a report entitled “Building Our Economy: Transportation for a New Illinois”, our state’s spends over $50 billion annually on transportation costs. Creating cheaper and safer public transportation alternatives for Illinoisans generates job growth, attracts new business, and saves taxpayers money.

IPTA praised Hutchinson for her work to promote high-speed rail expansion and rural transportation associations. Toi is especially proud of her efforts to bring the long-awaited Illiana Expressway project to fruition. The Illiana Expressway project is the first East-West interstate highway that will run between the eastern border of Illinois and northwest Indiana. The public-private partnership project is estimated to create 3,000 short-term and 10,000 long-term jobs while generating up to $30 billion in economic development over the next 30 years.

“This project will make travel easier, attract manufacturers, and create jobs now and in the future,” said Hutchinson. “Area residents expect sound transportation options— including environmentally-friendly bus systems, well-maintained roads, and swift and inexpensive light-rail. Building comfortable, affordable public transportation is preparing for the future.”

The Illinois Public Transportation Association (IPTA) is made up of 60 regular members including both rural and urban transportation systems across the entire state. The IPTA coordinates with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC) and the Transportation for Illinois Coalition (TFIC) to give both technical and financial support.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my efforts to build out and bolster the transportation infrastructure of the region I represent,” said Hutchinson a member of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee. “I’ve been fortunate to have worked with dedicated legislators and policy makers who share the desire to improve and expand access and quality of public transportation, and I share this award with them.”