AURORA, IL— State Sen. Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) applauded Governor Pat Quinn’s decision to move forward with a $31 billion capital works program this week.

“Since I started running for office, passing a substantial capital bill has been my top priority,” Holmes said. “Our current economic downturn has only increased the necessity for this type of program. I am pleased that the governor is signing this measure that will put our residents back to work.” In addition to updating the state’s crumbling infrastructure, the capital plan is expected to create and maintain over four-hundred thousand new jobs.

“With an unemployment rate of 10.1% in our state, is it imperative that we get people working as soon as possible,” continued Holmes. “The hard working people of Illinois deserve the chance to earn an honest wage that they can take home to support their families. This is the first step in a long process of getting our state out of our current financial dilemma and back on track.”

Senator Holmes believes that communities in the 42nd district will see an immediate impact from the newly signed capital bill.

“The capital program will be extremely beneficial to our local communities,” said Holmes. “In addition to creating new jobs and boosting our local economy, we will also see substantial changes to our current infrastructure. This will improve safety in our communities and attract new businesses as well.”