Local officials call on lawmakers to back projects

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Rod Blagojevich proposed an $11 billion capital construction program for the year beginning July 1, but a coalition of business, labor and governmental groups say it doesn't go far enough.

The Transportation for Illinois Coalition says the state needs $5 billion a year in increased annual investment for transportation, "and that would be above and beyond what the governor has proposed in his budget," coalition spokeswoman Jennifer Gordon said on Monday.

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