Springfield Considers $2 Billion Gas Tax For Illinois
Even though we're the highest-taxed citizens in the nation, some lawmakers in Springfield think we should be happy to get on board with this.
State Senator Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, said motorists should expect a push to double the state’s gas tax from 19 cents a gallon to 38 cents heading into the home stretch of spring session. An amendment to Senate Bill 103 would also increase the annual vehicle registration fee by $50, and $130 more for electric vehicles.
Sandoval's bill proposes to increase the passenger vehicle registration fee from $98 to $148, the electric vehicle fee from $17.50 to $148 and most drivers' license fees from $30 to $60.
If the bill passes, it would be the first time since 1990 where Illinos raised the gas tax. The last capital bill to fund the state's transportation infrastructure was ten years ago.
State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, said increasing the motor fuel tax will hit working families.
“That especially hurts lower-income folks who are just trying to make ends meet,” Sosnowski said.
Sosnowski said Illinoisans already pay some of the highest taxes in the country.
“We’re hearing a lot about more taxes and not about how do we save money,” Sosnowski said.
Sosnowski said state government could work to consolidate operations, end poorly performing grant programs and find other efficiencies, rather than just increasing taxes.
It seems that jacking up fees and taxes is just a lot easier.
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