ILL-inois: $50 million thrown away to renovate state Capitol

ILL-inois Capitol

Illinois' perilous financial situation didn't stop Governor Pat Quinn and his fellow statehouse Democrats from throwing away $50 million to renovate the state Capitol building in Springfield.

The Land of Lincoln, thankfully, has a part-time legislature. On the other hand, it works overtime in creating messes.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Gone is the mezzanine level that once housed dingy offices for dozens of Statehouse reporters, in its place a soaring space with large windows that will be used by the state treasurer and members of the Senate.

New light fixtures include massive chandeliers and a pair of lamps in the shape of robe-draped women that flank the grand staircase. They're replicas of the originals that remain at the Iowa Capitol after being deemed "too risque" for Illinois more than a century ago.

Outside, utilitarian glass doors have been replaced by hefty wood ones coated in glistening copper. The cost for the three double-doors? Nearly $670,000.

The renovation is one of thousands of projects lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn approved as part of a multiyear statewide construction program launched in 2009. To pay for the public works initiative, they raised driver's license and vehicle sticker fees; increased taxes on candy, liquor and beauty products; and legalized video gambling in bars and restaurants across Illinois.

My idea is that the General Assembly meet in the gym of Springfield Lanphier High School.

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