One Last Step for Mass Transit Deal

Add comment January 18th, 2008

The mass transit deal reached in Springfield yesterday means seniors around Illinois will soon enjoy free rides.

But the deal is not final until the governor formally signs off on it. Under the Constitution, Blagojevich must certify that the bill “conforms to his specific recommendations” now that lawmakers have voted to accept his changes to the bill. Not until then does the bill become law.

This is a technical consideration. But it also has political implications: By formally approving the bill, Blagojevich will officially accept the sales hike embodied in the bill, thereby reneging on his pledge to oppose such hikes. He has not yet certified the bill.