ALL ABOARD: LEADERS UNITE TO KEEP AMTRAK'S FEDERAL FUNDING

[Padraig18]

ALL ABOARD: LEADERS UNITE TO KEEP AMTRAK'S FEDERAL FUNDING

BY CALEB HALE
THE SOUTHERN

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS -- Local, state and national officials in Illinois are united in their ire for President George W. Bush's proposal to end federal support of Amtrak.

The president's $2.5 trillion spending plan for the 2006 fiscal year leaves the prominent passenger rail system with empty pockets where federal dollars are concerned. Illinois kicks in $12 million a year to keep trains on the rail line, which extends from Chicago through Carbondale. But Amtrak representatives say if the feds are out the trains stop.

"If that budget were passed the way Bush proposed it, there would be no train service. Period," said Amtrak Chicago spokesman Marc Magliari.

<snip>

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, has vowed to fight to restore Amtrak funding, saying it didn't make sense for the federal government to stop subsidizing the only passenger rail system in the country....

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2005/02/10/top/doc420b62117f3a5198577546.txt

[CottonBear]

1. Deleware will be fighting for Amtrack too!

I believe that their Senators and Congressmen take Amtrack to work every day. I heard this on Washington Journal last week.

[Zenlitened]

2. Well, Amtrak should have to succeed or fail withOUT taxpayer money...

... just like the airlines and the federal highway system.

:crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

[Tweed]

3. Good news indeed

I'm glad that Durbin and Blago are fighting for this. I think it's absurd when politicians talk about how Amtrak is the only transportation that is subsidized by the federal government. The airline industry receives huge tax breaks and the industry was bailed out after 9/11. Don't even get me started on the interstate highway system. Thanks for posting this Paradig.

[Padraig18]

4. YW.

Tony's in bed with the flu, so I'm helping him out.

:)