Outside the Beltway: Despite Loads of Debt, Pork Projects Abound in Illinois

Brandon Stewart / June 24, 2010

With a looming state budget deficit of nearly $13 million, many Illinois residents are wondering if their state has its priorities in order. Last night, ABC7 Chicago’s Chuck Goudie revealed $67 million in recent state payments (PDF) for a variety of pet projects. While the state wrestles with the ramifications of such a huge budget shortfall, many wonder why payments continue for the sort of spending exposed in Goudie’s report. Among the expenses:

Wilmette received $130,000 to build this bike path that was just one block long. Evanston got a check for $187,000 to repave these basketball and tennis courts. “The people of Alsip welcome you” and nearly $19,000 your state dollars to help pay for the sign outside Village Hall. And Cicero received $77,000 in final funding for a graffiti blaster and 2,500 new anti-rat trash cans. (more…)