Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

An aggressive grassroots political campaign launched by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) locals across Illinois, the state's General Assembly passed $1.5 billion legislation, securing critical public transit funding.

“We could not be prouder of our members, our Locals, and every front-line worker who leafleted, talked with riders, wrote the letter to legislators, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with community and labor allies,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Because you showed up at the State Capitol, on the platforms, in the bus yards and train stations, we now have legislation that benefits riders, strengthens safety through a dedicated transit police force, and protects the jobs, wages, and benefits of our ATU members. We thank the Illinois Legislature for passing this bill and delivering for working families and transit riders alike.”

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act will be funded by revenue that currently feeds the state's Road Fund and other sources. This investment lays the groundwork to improve service, shorten travel times, and enhance rider safety. It also changes the region's transit governance to the NITA, creating new requirements to coordinate service, plan strategically, and better support riders.

“On behalf of our members, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to IP Costa, the International, and every member that mobilized for this fight,” said President/Business Agent Keith Hill of Local 241 in Chicago. “We know this bill means that our members’ jobs are safer, our riders will see better service, and our region’s transit system will be stronger. This is a win for union members and a win for every community that relies on buses and trains to get to work, school, or home.”