Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
CHICAGO: A front ranking community activist, Smita Shah has been appointed to Illinois Governor-Elect JB Pritzker’s Transition Team and serves on the Restoring Illinois Infrastructure Committee.
She is one of the few Indian Americans appointed by Governor- Elect Pritzker to his Transition Team.The committee will be chaired by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Congressman Dan Lipinski, Congressman-elect Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, state Sen. Martin A. Sandoval, and state Rep. Jay Hoffman.
“Illinois’ role as a transportation hub for the nation is a critical component of our economy,” said Governor-elect JB Pritzker. “My administration will prioritize a comprehensive 21st Century Capital Bill to build the infrastructure we need to restore Illinois’ place as an economic leader.”
In a talk to this paper Smita Shah said that “It is an honor to serve on the Transition Team for Governor-Elect Pritzker, and to support his effort to strengthen the great state of Illinois. We need strong leadership to create opportunities for our citizens and our diverse communities, which Pritzker will provide.”
“The Restoring Illinois’ Infrastructure Committee will focus on the surface, rail, water, broadband and community infrastructure improvements that will benefit every corner of the state,” said Lieutenant Governor-elect Juliana Stratton. “It is time to capitalize on the boundless potential of our state and move forward.”
“We may be in the 21st Century but some parts of Illinois still don’t have access to broadband internet that businesses and entrepreneurs need to succeed,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “This committee will make sure the incoming administration can start building up our high-speed broadband infrastructure and make access throughout the entire state a priority.”
“Roads and bridges across Illinois are in desperate need of attention, and this committee will take a serious look at how to leverage federal dollars to repair our crumbling infrastructure,” said Congressman Dan Lipinski. “As Illinois’ senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I know investments in our roads, public transit, and airports pay dividends, and I’m ready to get to work.”
“Illinois hasn’t passed a comprehensive capital bill in almost a decade, so it’s time we looked at investing in horizontal and vertical infrastructure improvements that will help our state thrive,” said state Rep. Jay Hoffman. “I’m excited to get to work on this committee to start identifying the infrastructure needs of communities across Illinois and crafting a bipartisan plan to rebuild our state.”
