Illinois’ constitution has been amended for the 14th time since it was adopted in 1970.
Voters overwhelmingly approved what’s known as a “lockbox” for transportation dollars.
A well-funded alliance of business and labor organizations waged a campaign for the amendment, after lawmakers skimmed millions from Illinois’ road fund to pay for other needs.
Mike Sturino is the CEO of The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders.
“The engineering community gives us a D+ grade on our roads and bridges. We have just … miles and miles, hundreds and thousands of miles or roads … that are frankly not adequate to say the least. They’re in a state of disrepair,” said Sturino.
The change means Illinois lawmakers will lose flexibility in solving the state’s budget problems.