Springfield, IL – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued a statement of support following the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the capital plan that was passed by the General Assembly in 2009, Public Act 96-34. The measure created a substantial part of the $31 billion Capital Construction Bill’s revenue stream, including legalizing video poker, raising the tax on alcoholic beverages, raising the sales tax on candy and hygiene products, and privatizing the lottery. Earlier this year, Rockwell Wirtz, owner of Wirtz Beverage and the Chicago Blackhawks, initiated the lawsuit believing that the measure violated the Illinois Constitution’s "Single Subject Rule."

"Illinois’ infrastructure and roads are crumbling and swift action needed to be taken," Hunter said. "By investing in existing road projects, education and State facility infrastructure, environmental technology, and mass transit, we are investing in our communities and our future. If we do not invest in our State, what attraction are we giving businesses to invest in our State? The capital plan is creating long-term quality jobs across the State in a time when unemployment rates are staggering. Every community in Illinois will benefit from this package and local economies will see positive effects.