03.17.11

Durbin and Illinois Delegation to Meet with Governor Quinn to Discuss Illinois Job Creation and Investment

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation met with the Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, to discuss ways in which the Delegation can work together to help create jobs and invest in Illinois. Prior to today’s meeting with the Delegation, Durbin and Quinn met with the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Joe Szabo, to discuss the progress of high speed rail in Illinois.

 

Last month, after the Governor of Florida rejected the high speed rail funding that was awarded to the state, Durbin sent a letter to the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, asking him to consider the Chicago Hub Network for redistribution of that funding. Earlier this week, Durbin announced the formation of a Bi-Cameral High- Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus, a coalition that will serve as the leading advocates to advance high-speed and intercity rail programs across the country. Durbin, founder of the Midwest High Speed Rail Caucus, will serve as a co-chair of the national group.

 

Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) attended today’s meeting along with other members of the Illinois Delegation including: Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Bobby Schilling (R-IL) and Joe Walsh (R-IL).