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Chicago Tribune
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Bipartisan group launches latest effort to remove partisanship from how Illinois legislative boundaries are drawn
For the third time in little more than a decade, a bipartisan group is being formed to launch a voter initiative aimed at amending the Illinois Constitution to try to remove the heavy partisan influence of lawmakers in the once-per-decade redrawing of state legislative boundaries. Unlike the current controversy in Texas, where Republicans are looking to redraw congressional boundaries to maximize GOP seats in the U.S. House for the 2026 midterm elections, the Illinois effort is aimed solely at Illinois House and state Senate boundaries. And unlike two earlier efforts, in 2014 and 2016, that were struck down by the courts, the current proposal is more streamlined and designed to fit through the very narrow window that previous Illinois Supreme Court rulings have left for a constitutional amendment by citizens' petition to appear on the ballot. The formal unveiling of the effort is set for Aug. 19, when the Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago will host a discussion with the movement's leaders, former White House chief of staff William Daley and former congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the co-chairs of Fair Maps Illinois. Daley is a longtime Democrat who is the brother and son of Chicago's two longest-serving mayors, while LaHood was a Republican congressman from Peoria who served in President Barack Obama's cabinet. He's the father of current GOP U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood. Co-counsels for the effort are veteran election attorney Michael Dorf, a former general counsel for the state Democratic Party, and former GOP state election board member and chairman William Cadigan. The latest effort comes as the current process for redrawing Illinois House and Senate boundaries has received serious scrutiny and follows years of criticism after its adoption as part of the state's 1970 Constitution. Its reliance on the legislature to formulate and adopt a map has been described as lawmakers choosing their voters rather than voters selecting their representatives in Springfield, resulting in sharp, partisan gerrymandered lines that have produced few contested general election contests as primaries have become the de facto elections. 'We are in such a situation now, partly because of the way things are redistricted, where every seat is safe, members don't have to ever attempt to reach a constituency other than their core supporters,' Dorf told the Tribune. 'This is the first step to finding a way to create, not politics-free redistricting, but at least more rational redistricting where there is a chance that members of the General Assembly will have to talk to the other side, will have to reach constituents who don't necessarily agree 100% with them, and it's a first step,' he said. Under one-party rule in the last two redistricting years of 2011 and 2021, Democratic majorities in the House and Senate passed and sent to Democratic Govs. Pat Quinn and JB Pritzker map lines designed to favor the election of Democratic candidates and reduce Republican representation. As a first-time candidate for governor, Pritzker said he supported an independent mapmaking commission to curb partisan gerrymandering, but he signed the 2021 remap passed by Democrats. Last week at an unrelated news conference, the governor said he was still in favor of a commission but said, 'It's not like I can force the legislature to do something like that.' The current map adopted after the 2020 federal census has led to the election of overwhelming Democratic legislative majorities — 78 in the 118-member House and 40 state senators in the 59-member chamber. Under the state constitution, when the legislature and governor are unable to implement a map into law — which has occurred during periods of partisanly divided governance — an eight-member redistricting commission is formed with the four legislative leaders each naming a member of their caucus and a non-member of the General Assembly. If the commission deadlocks, the Supreme Court submits two names, and the Secretary of State conducts a random draw for the crucial ninth partisan tiebreaking member. The state constitution's authors thought the threat of a random draw would be so severe it would force Democrats and Republicans to compromise. But the winner-takes-all aspect of redistricting has proven too strong. Other than the initial 1971 map, commissions went to tiebreakers in 1981, 1991 and 2001. Democrats won the draw in 1981 and 2001, while Republicans won it in 1991. Under the latest commission proposal, the legislature would no longer be able to approve its own map and send it to the governor. Instead, the mapmaking process would go directly to a 12-member commission with the four legislative leaders each appointing one member of their caucus and two non-members of the General Assembly. If the commission were to deadlock, the same tiebreaking drawing method would be used, according to the proposal. But unlike the way maps are currently drawn, commissioners could not consider voters' past voting history in which they vote in Republican or Democratic primaries in configuring the map lines. 'Specific people' also could not be considered, except to adhere to federal laws, such as Voting Rights Act protections for racial and ethnic groups. Instead, districts would be based more on geographic lines in which an emphasis would be placed on compactness. According to the proposal, county, municipal and township boundaries would be followed to the 'greatest extent possible,' with an emphasis on smaller counties being contained in a single district. The state Supreme Court has previously limited citizen-initiated changes to the state Constitution to issues that both affect the structure and procedure of the legislature. To comply with that restriction, the size of the General Assembly would be determined by a formula that divides the state's federal census population by 215,000 and would reduce the result to the nearest odd whole number. As is currently the case, each state Senate district's boundaries would include two House districts. Under the state's 2020 census, the formula would leave the current number of 59 state Senate districts and 118 House districts — but the size of the two chambers could change in future decades based on population changes. To get on the ballot, the proposition would need at least 328,171 valid signatures from registered voters by May 2026. Traditionally, supporters try to seek double the minimum number of signatures. The previous attempts to change the Constitution's redistricting provisions were cumbersome and involved a multi-step process to choose commission members — factors the courts decided went beyond the limited scope of structural and procedural changes in the legislative process. Those rulings also came in court challenges mounted by allies of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan, who served as speaker from 1983 to 2021, fiercely opposed efforts that would have taken the power of drawing the districts out of his hands. He was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison in June on federal corruption charges related to a scheme that helped utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Demonstrating Madigan's close relationship with the utility, the plaintiffs recruited to fight the redistricting proposals in court were Frank Clark, former president and CEO of ComEd, in 2014 and John Hooker, the company's executive vice president of legislative and external affairs and later a lobbyist, in 2016. Hooker was among the 'ComEd Four' who were convicted of conspiring to bribe Madigan to ensure his support for utility initiatives. Hooker was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a $500,000 fine. .
Newsweek
27-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Texas High-Speed Rail Project Future Uncertain After Latest Setback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The proposed Texas Central high-speed rail project suffered a fresh blow this week when Spanish rail operator Renfe decided to liquidate its U.S. subsidiary—Renfe of America—and write off its entire investment, as reported by Trenvista and El Economista. The announcement followed recent setbacks, including the Trump administration's withdrawal of a $63.9 million federal grant and the quiet exit of Japanese investors from the $40 billion venture linking Dallas and Houston. Renfe's withdrawal not only removed a leading international operator from the project but also highlighted the financial instability facing what is one of the nation's most ambitious transportation undertakings. Newsweek reached out to Renfe and Texas Central for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters The Texas Central high-speed rail line, envisioned as a transformative connection between Houston and Dallas, had promised to revolutionize mobility in the region and establish the United States as a player in high-speed rail. Its struggles bear implications for federal infrastructure policy, private-public investment risks, and the credibility of large-scale rail projects nationwide. A range of high-speed rail projects has been proposed across the U.S. In May, former Obama-era Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Newsweek that he believed one successful high-speed line could unlock other projects across the country. What To Know Map of the proposed Dallas to Houston high-speed rail line produced by Texas Central. Map of the proposed Dallas to Houston high-speed rail line produced by Texas Central. Texas Central Renfe Liquidates Its U.S. Subsidiary After Heavy Losses Renfe, Spain's state railway operator, dissolved Renfe of America after recognizing accumulated losses of €4.5 million (approximately $5 million) and writing down all investment in the Texas Central project, as documented in its 2024 accounts. This move followed more than five years of unsuccessful efforts to establish U.S. high-speed rail operations as a strategic partner for Texas Central. Renfe originally anticipated up to €5.3 billion in revenues through 2042, having won a contract to operate the proposed 386-kilometer Dallas–Houston line. However, the company declared the value of its U.S. investment at zero and publicly abandoned any hope of recovering debts dating back to 2019. Federal Funding Pulled After Cost Overruns and Delays The U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew a $63.9 million grant in April previously allocated to Amtrak for Texas Central, labeling the project "a risky venture for the taxpayer." Texas Central, which initially had a $10 billion budget estimate, saw its spending expectations balloon to over $40 billion, according to reports from the Reason Foundation and multiple financial outlets. Key Investors and Stakeholders Exit Renfe's departure followed the prior exit of major Japanese investors, who reportedly lost over $272 million in the venture. Fort Worth-based Kleinheinz Capital Partners took over as lead investor, acquiring significant stakes from Japanese shareholders. Texas Central has acquired only about 25 percent of the land needed for the line, with outstanding construction permits and further land acquisition unresolved. The current combination of lost foreign expertise and evaporating funds has increased scrutiny from the Texas legislature, which is now demanding enhanced transparency and annual financial disclosures from project leaders. Possible Silver Lining in Private Equity Approaches Some industry observers suggested that private equity-led models, similar to those seen in Florida and Nevada, might offer a path forward. Robert Pearsall, Partnership Director at the US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR), told Railway-News the withdrawal of Amtrak and federal funds could help clear the path for private capital, pending state-level approvals. Yet, the pace of future development depends on clearing Texas's legislative barriers, securing financing, and restoring confidence among lenders and landowners. What People Are Saying Jennifer Stevens, from campaign group ReRoute the Route, which opposes the proposed Texas Central line, told The Texan: "This is a company that has been nearly broke for at least half a decade. Now because of this government filing we know Texas Central left a Spanish investor holding the bag on their $5 million investment. They are either unwilling or unable to pay for services rendered more than five years ago." Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Newsweek in May: "If you build it they will come, if you build it, it will be successful and I think that will be the case with Brightline West, Las Vegas to L.A., and I think it will be true San Francisco to L.A. I think they will be wildly popular. I really believe at this point if you build it they will come and the proof of that is Europe and Asia—their trains are wildly popular." What Happens Next Texas Central leaders intend to continue seeking funding and regulatory approvals while preparing to rebid for lost operating contracts. However, the project's future will depend on whether additional private investors step forward and whether state and federal regulators support a new business model for high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston.
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
California High-Speed Rail Reaches New Construction Milestone
A four-lane overpass has opened near Roeding Park in Fresno that will allow the currently under-construction California High-Speed Rail line to pass under West Belmont Avenue according to local newspaper The Fresno Bee. Newsweek contacted the California High-Speed Rail Authority, which is overseeing the project, for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. Construction is underway on the California High-Speed Rail line, which is intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco. A number of proposed high-speed rail projects are in the works across the United States, and former Obama-era transportation secretary Ray LaHood told Newsweek these could be unlocked if California High-Speed Rail turns out to be a success. However the scheme has attracted the ire of President Donald Trump, who branded it a "green disaster." Earlier in June the Federal Railroad Administration released a 315-page report criticizing the project for missed deadlines and arguing it still has a budget shortfall. The Fresno Bee reported that this week a four lane overpass was completed for West Belmont Avenue taking the road over the Union Pacific rail line at Weber Avenue, as well as the under construction California High-Speed Rail line. Work on the overpass, which is 62 feet wide and over 610 feet long, began in 2022. Another overpass over the high speed rail line was recently opened between Maple and Cedar avenues in southern Fresno, called the Central Avenue grade separation. Earlier in June the California High-Speed Rail Authority said work had been completed on 55 infrastructure projects, such as road overpasses, being built to facilitate the new rail line with the laying of track expected to begin later this year. Finished projects include the 4,741-foot San Joaquin River Viaduct in Fresno along with the Hanford Viaduct situated in Kings County. According to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the line currently under construction will allow passengers to travel between San Franciso and the Los Angeles basin in less than three hours, with speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour on some sections. The eventual plan is to extend the line to Sacramento and San Diego. In a recent statement the California High-Speed Rail Authority said: "Construction progresses every day on the California high-speed rail project. In addition to continued progress across the Central Valley, the Authority also announced the completion of four grade separations at Fargo Avenue and Whitley Avenue in Kings County, and at Belmont Avenue and Central Avenue in Fresno County… "Since the start of high-speed rail construction, the project has created more than 15,300 good paying construction jobs, a majority going to residents of the Central Valley. As many as 1,700 workers are dispatched to a high-speed rail construction site daily." In January California Governor Gavin Newsom said: "No state in America is closer to launching high-speed rail than California." Planners hope the California High-Speed Rail line will open for customers at some point between 2030 and 2033. Related Articles US Close to High-Speed Rail BreakthroughPortland Plan To Eliminate Homelessness 'Right On Schedule'Texas High Speed Rail Plan Issued Blow From Trump AdministrationTexas Bill Seeks To Thwart High-Speed Rail 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
California High-Speed Rail Reaches New Construction Milestone
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A four-lane overpass has opened near Roeding Park in Fresno that will allow the currently under-construction California High-Speed Rail line to pass under West Belmont Avenue according to local newspaper The Fresno Bee. Newsweek contacted the California High-Speed Rail Authority, which is overseeing the project, for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters Construction is underway on the California High-Speed Rail line, which is intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco. A number of proposed high-speed rail projects are in the works across the United States, and former Obama-era transportation secretary Ray LaHood told Newsweek these could be unlocked if California High-Speed Rail turns out to be a success. However the scheme has attracted the ire of President Donald Trump, who branded it a "green disaster." Earlier in June the Federal Railroad Administration released a 315-page report criticizing the project for missed deadlines and arguing it still has a budget shortfall. The completed Avenue 56 grade separation is seen in Tulare County, California, on June 16, 2025, a similar project to the Roeding Park overpass that has just been completed. The completed Avenue 56 grade separation is seen in Tulare County, California, on June 16, 2025, a similar project to the Roeding Park overpass that has just been completed. California High-Speed Rail What To Know The Fresno Bee reported that this week a four lane overpass was completed for West Belmont Avenue taking the road over the Union Pacific rail line at Weber Avenue, as well as the under construction California High-Speed Rail line. Work on the overpass, which is 62 feet wide and over 610 feet long, began in 2022. Another overpass over the high speed rail line was recently opened between Maple and Cedar avenues in southern Fresno, called the Central Avenue grade separation. Earlier in June the California High-Speed Rail Authority said work had been completed on 55 infrastructure projects, such as road overpasses, being built to facilitate the new rail line with the laying of track expected to begin later this year. Finished projects include the 4,741-foot San Joaquin River Viaduct in Fresno along with the Hanford Viaduct situated in Kings County. According to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the line currently under construction will allow passengers to travel between San Franciso and the Los Angeles basin in less than three hours, with speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour on some sections. The eventual plan is to extend the line to Sacramento and San Diego. What People Are Saying In a recent statement the California High-Speed Rail Authority said: "Construction progresses every day on the California high-speed rail project. In addition to continued progress across the Central Valley, the Authority also announced the completion of four grade separations at Fargo Avenue and Whitley Avenue in Kings County, and at Belmont Avenue and Central Avenue in Fresno County… "Since the start of high-speed rail construction, the project has created more than 15,300 good paying construction jobs, a majority going to residents of the Central Valley. As many as 1,700 workers are dispatched to a high-speed rail construction site daily." In January California Governor Gavin Newsom said: "No state in America is closer to launching high-speed rail than California." What Happens Next Planners hope the California High-Speed Rail line will open for customers at some point between 2030 and 2033.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
High-Speed Rail Developers Issue Las Vegas-SoCal Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The construction team for Brightline West, a proposed new high-speed rail line linking Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California, says that it is "getting close" to the construction phase of the project. Newsweek reached out to Brightline West for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters The United States doesn't have any operational high-speed rail lines, defined by the International Union of Railways as operating at a minimum of 155 miles per hour along specially built tracks, in contrast to other advanced nations such as China, which has nearly 30,000 miles of track in operation. The race is currently underway between California High-Speed Rail, which is under construction between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Brightline West to see which can be the first to open a U.S. line. What To Know Brightline West told Fox 5 Las Vegas that it has now completed 99 percent of the field evaluations for the project, which will help finalize the design. The company has been collecting soil samples along the proposed route since last year, which are being evaluated to determine the grading and what support is needed for the track, stations, and other facilities. The company told the news station that it is "getting close" to the main construction stage, more than one year after it held a groundbreaking ceremony in 2024. A spike is displayed before a groundbreaking ceremony for a new high-speed rail at the Brightline West Las Vegas station on April 22, 2024. A spike is displayed before a groundbreaking ceremony for a new high-speed rail at the Brightline West Las Vegas station on April 22, West trains are planned to travel at up to 200 miles per hour, meaning the journey from Las Vegas to Southern California could be reduced to around two hours. The company originally planned to open the line in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but this date has since been pushed back. In September 2022, Brightline launched a new railway line in Florida linking Miami and Orlando. This was the first privately operated rail line to open in the U.S. in a century, though it travels at just below the high-speed categorization. What People Are Saying Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Newsweek: "If you look at the Brightline project in Florida between Miami and Orlando, now it's not high-speed rail, but it is wildly popular. They're putting more and more trains on that track every day because people like the idea that they don't have to get on the I-95. "If you build it, they will come, if you build it, it will be successful and I think that will be the case with Brightline West, Las Vegas to LA, and I think it will be true San Francisco to LA. I think they will be wildly popular. I really believe at this point if you build it, they will come and the proof of that is Europe and Asia. Their trains are wildly popular." Then Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pictured at the ground breaking ceremony for Brightline West Las Vegas station on April 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pictured at the ground breaking ceremony for Brightline West Las Vegas station on April 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/GETTY What Happens Next Work on Brightline West is expected to intensify in the coming months, while a separate proposal, called the High-Speed Desert Corridor, aims to link it to California High-Speed Rail via a third rail line. It remains to be seen whether Brightline West or California High-Speed Rail can build the first operational high-speed rail line in the U.S.
