Springfield, IL – Illinois Senate Majority Caucus Whip Ira I. Silverstein (D – Chicago) joined his Senate colleagues in approving a capital construction program targeted at reviving the Illinois economy and creating jobs across the state.

As passed by the Senate, the capital program will create a reliable, annual stream of revenue to be used to fund the repair of aging and outdated infrastructure in Illinois. The program is expected to play a critical role in the creation of jobs and aid efforts for economic recovery. Currently, the unemployment rate is in 9.1 percent statewide. “With the unemployment rate continuing to rise, it is essential that we act now to create a plan that will sustain and create jobs for Illinoisans,” Senator Silverstein said. “This effort will revitalize our economy at time when people are struggling to find work and support their families.”

The capital program includes funding for road projects and construction on schools and universities in Illinois. The plan will include $12.8 million in funding for public schools in Senator Silverstein’s district, including $3.6million for ADA Improvements at Schurz High School. The program also invests federal funding for upgrades to Peterson Family Health Center and Heartland Health Center in Rogers Park.

“An effort to update our state’s infrastructure is long overdue,” Senator Silverstein said. “A capital plan will enable us to ensure that roads and schools across Illinois are up-to-date and able to meet current standards.”

The legislation, which would be the first capital plan approved in Illinois in a decade, now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.