SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was relieved that the General Assembly voted to allow the State’s capital construction program to go forward as planned. The program’s funding was in peril due to the budget negotiations process.

"The capital construction program is vitally important to our state economy," Koehler said. "It creates thousands and thousands of good-paying jobs during the summer construction season. Last year, those jobs helped Illinois recover the economy. This year, they will help us keep moving forward."

The capital construction program, sometimes referred to as "Illinois Jobs Now!," is a comprehensive plan to repair and upgrade Illinois’ roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and state facilities. These repairs keep bridges safe, make roads passable, and create a modern setting for Illinois students to pursue their educations.

"The projects in the capital bill benefit everyone. In addition to making life better for individuals and families, they improve our business climate and help local companies," Koehler explained. "Businesses rely on our highway system to get their products to consumers. They also know that safe, modern schools and hospitals help attract quality employees."

While in Springfield, the General Assembly passed several other bills. One cut legislators’ pay by cancelling this year’s cost of living adjustment and instituting 12 furlough days. The other bills were largely follow-ups to legislation passed earlier in the year.