Illinois manufacturers, who are often large water and wastewater customers, depend on cost-effective and reliable systems, as do countless small businesses, schools and hospitals. A functioning modern water and wastewater system is essential, not only for public health, but for economic development and job creation.
Our infrastructure is in bad shape. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- for wastewater systems infrastructure and a D+ for drinking water infrastructure. An estimated $6.5 billion in necessary upgrades is looming, and there’s an ever-widening gap between available funding and community needs.
Springfield lawmakers are considering a pragmatic and necessary step toward solving the state’s infrastructure woes — House Bill 1828 — but an op-ed that appeared in the Sun-Times last month misrepresented the legislation as a simple attempt by the largest water utilities to hike residents’ water rates. The fact is costs will only increase down the road if the infrastructure isn’t fixed now.
State law currently requires separate rate-setting processes for water and wastewater systems. That means more regulatory red tape, higher costs for customers and lost investment opportunities. HB 1828 would allow the Illinois Commerce Commission, an independent regulator, to consolidate the revenue requirement for water and wastewater operations, creating a more balanced rate structure.
This will help communities that are grappling with crumbling infrastructure but are unable to pay for major capital improvement projects. When forced to take on big repairs alone, cash-tight communities often delay. Once undertaken, it can mean less money for fixing roads, supporting pension funds and lowering local taxes. This environment impedes local manufacturing and business growth.
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HB1828 would allow capital investment to be spread across a large customer base instead of being borne by a small group of customers. As an example, Illinois American Water estimates show that with combined rates, a $10 million infrastructure investment would cost customers $2.82 more a year; without it, customers would pay an additional $25.79 a year.
Critics of this legislation argue that it gives too much control to regulators, but rate decisions will continue to rest squarely with the ICC, which operates through a transparent and participatory process. Public hearings, comment periods and customer protections will remain intact.
In communities across Illinois, pipes, pumps, valves, meters and hydrants require ongoing investment. HB1828 is a smart step toward creating safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater service that will serve community needs for years to come.
Mark Denzler, president and CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
Trump’s Pope pipe dream
The comb-over Caligula’s recent posting of himself dressed in papal attire should serve to remind to all Roman Catholics of the contrast between the proclamations of this lying, philandering hypocrite and the true teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. Yeah, I’m looking at you, the six Catholic Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. We can still maintain the separation of church and state and also ask, “What would Jesus do?”
Jim Bruton, Avondale
President can reside at ‘The Rock’
I wholeheartedly support President Donald Trump’s proposal to reopen Alcatraz. Alcatraz would be the most appropriate post-presidential residence for the Criminal-in-Chief.
Chet Alexander, Alsip