IL HR1044

Urges the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to include Crossrail Chicago in its fiscally unconstrained projects list as part of the GOTO2040 mid-decade update.

Proposes an electrified first-class passenger rail initiative that would connect Metra route lines together through Union Station, linking the northwest suburbs (Rockford, Elgin, Schaumburg, O'Hare) to the south side and south suburbs (McCormick Place, Hyde Park, Kankakee, Champaign-Urbana).

Would enable direct Amtrak downstate service connections to O'Hare International Airport and direct train service between O'Hare and McCormick Place convention facility.

Addresses regional jobs-housing mismatch by improving public transportation between employment centers in O'Hare and northwest suburbs and residential areas on the south side and south suburbs.

Directs Illinois Department of Transportation, Metra, Chicago Transit Authority, and Chicago Department of Aviation to support Crossrail Chicago's inclusion in the GOTO2040 plan.