Illinois Senate committee rejects road, DCFS funding - WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and Radio

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A Senate committee has rejected a measure that could have provided $675 million more for road and bridge projects and averted layoffs at the Department of Children and Family Services.

The $675 million identified by Department of Transportation officials was mostly from federal grants and freed-up state money. Most of it was to go toward a transit improvement program over the next five years. Another $275 million could have been used this construction season.

The money for DCFS -- about $27 million -- is savings realized after Gov. Pat Quinn closed prisons and juvenile facilities.

Opponents criticized the bill because it took away money they said had been promised to horse tracks. They also objected to funds for Chicago Public Schools. Supporters could try again later to pass the bill.