Local News

Gas Tax Hike, Vehicle Registration Fee Increase Approved

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:20:05 CDT

Beginning July 1, motorists who pay for gas in Illinois will pay twice as much at the pump in taxes as they do currently.

Senate Bill 1939 increases the gas tax from 19 cents per gallon to 38 cents. It passed the House of Representatives on June 1, by a vote of 83-29.

The bill had bipartisan support with some legislators citing improvements to roads and bridges as being the reason for voting in favor of it. Rep. Avery Bourne, who voted to approve it, said she has often fought against raising taxes and that she believes the state needs to exercise restraint when it comes to spending. However, she said that her decision on this bill came down to improving the state's crumbling infrastructure.

"One of the most common requests that I get is pretty broadly 'when are we going to fix the dang roads,'" Bourne said. "Illinois roads and bridges have been ranked a 'D' grade in the country and we realize there's got to be a fix for this. Right now, we've only been doing band-aids and going from really a boom and bust cycle where they fix them every 10 years and let them deteriorate. That is not feasible for our economy. We have a rural economy that depends on critical infrastructure for people to get to work but also to get our goods and services to markets. (This bill) provides for that sustainable investment in infrastructure in the years to come."

In addition to the bump in the gas tax, the bill also increases the amount car owners will pay in vehicle registration fees. Most vehicle fees will increase $50 while oversized automobiles, such as buses and trailers, will see a $100 increase. Bourne said the agreed upon rates were a result of negotiations within the legislature.

"Originally, the super majority said 'we are going to pass (this bill) as it is,'" Bourne said. "That included a streaming tax, a satellite tax, an alcohol tax; It included a number of different taxes and even higher fees. We were able to negotiate that down and we were able to negotiate other taxes out of the package so that at least we could be fairer to taxpayers."

The bill awaits the signature of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.