Gov. Jim Edgar, who signed a January compromise that helped patch the state budget with a $33 million transfer of state road funds, proclaimed the funds off limits Tuesday and said he would resist further efforts to tap into them.
The governor`s stance, in a speech to the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association, comes a week after he agreed to review Secretary of State George Ryan`s request for additional road-fund dollars. Ryan, a Republican, then voted Edgar`s way on a bistate panel that endorsed the Lake Calumet site for a new third airport.
Ryan aides downplayed Edgar`s remarks, saying the secretary`s request for additional road-fund dollars would not be a transfer because the office is a regular recipient and contributor to the fund.
In his speech to the road building group, Edgar asked for its help to make sure ”dollars intended for infrastructure stay for developing infrastructure.”
”It`s important that we do not take dollars that have been paid to the road fund away from the road fund,” he said. ”I continue to indicate to everyone that we are not going to do that.”
In January, after proposing $350 million in cuts to offset a budget shortfall, Edgar compromised with legislative leaders on a series of special fund transfers and less severe cuts.
The pavement association seemed to accept Edgar`s explanation that the $33 million diversion was smaller than Democrats proposed. He was introduced with a thanks for keeping the transfer to a minimum.
Edgar indicated after the speech he might veto any new diversions lawmakers may approve after the General Assembly reconvenes at the end of the month.
”I don`t plan to propose any (tranfers),” he said. ”I think we`ve gone far enough on that.”
