Illinois quick hits: Federal funding for CTA still uncertain; fire risk for EVs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Federal funding for CTA still uncertain

The Federal Transit Administration says it will withhold as much as $50 million in funding from the Chicago Transit Authority if the agency does not submit a more aggressive security enhancement plan within 90 days.

FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro said the security surge plan announced by the CTA and the Chicago Police Department last week would fail to measurably reduce incidents of assaults and improve overall safety on buses and trains.

Chicago revenue concerns

Business groups say they appreciate Chicago City Council members taking action to defeat Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax proposal, but the groups also expressed concerns about the revenue package aldermen passed Friday.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce said the plan’s taxes and fees placed a disproportionate burden on Chicago businesses.

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association said businesses are again expected to bear the brunt of the city’s fiscal mismanagement.

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association also expressed concerns.

Fire risk for EVs

The Illinois State Fire Marshal says there are steps consumers can take to lower the risk of fire and electric shock injury related to charging electric vehicles.

The fire marshal shared that, before consumers purchase an EV, the U.S. Fire Administration says they should have a qualified electrician install a new, dedicated circuit for the vehicle’s charging device.

The USFA also recommends purchasing a charger that is certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory and keeping charging components out of the reach of children.

Additional tips and resources can be found at usfa.fema.gov.