Federal Government Freezes Billions for Windy City Infrastructure Initiatives
A government pause on massive funding allocated for the city of Chicago infrastructure plans was revealed on the weekend, as stated by Budget Director the budget director.
Targeted Plans
Included in the plans impacted by the funding freeze involve the Red Line extension, which was planned to begin construction next year and expand transportation services to less served communities in the city.
Additionally, upgrading efforts on a series of public transport routes were also paused.
Explanation for the Freeze
The budget director stated on online platforms that the financing was “frozen to ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
The declaration comes after a parallel move earlier this week involving New York, where the director stated that significant funding for transportation would be paused, including financial support for a proposed train tunnel under the river.
National Closure Situation
The move happens as the federal government closure reaches its third day, with the Senate planned to take a vote later in the day.
In spite of the planned legislative action, there is little hope that a deal is close, as opposition lawmakers hold out for a number of medical compromises.
Broader Consequences
Meanwhile, a rising number of federal agencies and employees are explicitly accusing Democrats for the closure.
This political messaging by agencies could be a infraction of the Hatch Act, which prohibits government workers from engaging in electioneering.
Furloughed federal employees at various offices have been told to set automated replies explaining that they are not working because Democrats caused a closure.
“The radical left has chosen to shut down the United States government in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism,” the treasury department’s website states.
Additionally, alerts over financial harm don’t appear to be encouraging compromise efforts.
An analysis by EY Parthenon said that every seven-day period the stoppage lasts will mean a multi-billion dollar blow to the economy.
