McLean County Times

A new capital plan, a bipartisan budget and pro-jobs reforms are just some of the highlights of the now-completed legislative session that Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) recently shared with constituents.

In his 2019 Capitol Report, Brady noted that the capital plan, the state's first major plan of the sort in a decade, will provide $2 billion annually for repairs and updates on roads and bridges, and millions in new appropriations for the state's colleges and universities. Much of the funding will come from the state's new Motor Fuel Tax. However, Brady noted that Republicans successfully fought to remove other taxes, including taxes on bottled water and ride sharing, from the final plan.

In highlighting the state budget, Brady specifically pointed to increased education funding. The new budget will add $375 million to the evidence-based funding formula for school districts, and add an additional $50 million for early childhood education.

Brady also pointed out his work, along with fellow Republicans, to pass legislation intended to bring new jobs to the state. The Blue Collar Jobs Act is meant to attract major construction projects, while the Data Center Tax Initiative will provide incentives for data centers to move into Illinois.