Gas taxes and other fees could more than double if a new piece of legislation proposed by Illinois lawmakers goes into effect.
HB3233, introduced in the House by Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. and in the Senate by State Senator Martin Sandoval of Chicago, would more than double the state’s fuel tax and would also increase the fees on other services, including driver’s license renewals and license plate and title fees.
“We have fallen behind,” Sandoval told the Chicago Tribune. “Our continued investment in our Illinois infrastructure is key in creating jobs, and promoting full economic recovery. Investment will boost productivity, support business growth, create jobs, and provide a healthier environment and improve opportunity for Illinoisans.”
Sandoval told the Morton Times-News that the gas tax has not been increased since 1990, and that doing so is key to improving Illinois’ aging infrastructure.
“Doing nothing is not a solution,” he said on his Facebook page.
The plan would raise roughly $2.4 billion a year in additional revenue, which would all go toward transportation projects thanks to the state constitution’s so-called “lockbox amendment.”
Under the proposal (which you can read in full here):
Local
-The gas tax on unleaded fuel would increase from 19 cents to 44 cents per gallon, then could be increased each year as it’s indexed for inflation.
-The cost of renewing a license plate in Illinois would go from $99 to $148 per year. The cost of obtaining a title for a vehicle would also increase to $155.
-The fee for registering an electric car in the state would rise from $17.50 to $1,000.
-The cost of renewing a driver’s license, for those between the ages of 21 and 68 would increase from $30 to $60. The cost would also double for an original driver’s license for 16 and 17-year-old drivers, and for renewing a driver’s license for residents between the ages of 69 and 80 (from $5 to $10).
The legislation is currently under consideration by the Senate Transportation, Vehicles, and Safety Committee.
