Feb 4, 2009 10:39 pm US/Central
Truth In Politics: Gas Tax Hike?
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
There's more proof that it's a new day in Illinois. Gov. Pat Quinn met with the top four legislative leaders in the governor's office at the state Capitol. They say they didn't discuss details of the state's financial crisis. And the governor would not take a position on their proposal to raise the gas tax by almost 9 cents a gallon.
Supporters want to use that money to pay for road and bridge repairs. In Wednesday night's Truth in Politics, CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports the lawmakers will likely get their way, and that makes motorists very unhappy.
With prices at the pump down by $2 a gallon since last summer, Illinois lawmakers are seizing the moment.
They're proposing an 8 cents a gallon tax increase. Since Illinois is the only state to charge sales tax on other taxes, the increase will actually be closer to 9 cents a gallon.
Rob Jager just paid $53 to fill up his Lincoln Aviator SUV. With the tax increase, there'd be another $1.80 added to that for a total of $54.80.
Jager's response?
"I think that's ridiculous," he said. "We're already paying high enough gas prices. And I don't think the state needs any more money."
State officials say they want to spend this money on new roads, bridges and putting people to work.
"Yeah, with all the potholes out here, they need a little help," said motorist Lee Campbell.
The 35 cents extra that you would pay, they say, would go to improving the roads, the highways and putting people to work.
Good idea or bad idea?
"Creating jobs and getting the roads fixed is definitely a good idea," said motorist Megan O'Neill.
Mass transit would get a share of the proposed gas tax increase for repairs, and for new trains and buses. Still, most transit riders drive cars, too, and are not happy about any new tax.
"I'm a delivery driver, so that's how I make my living," said Randy Brown. "If gas keeps going up, I'll be out of a job soon."
The plan's impact on jobs is a big key to the debate. As the General Assembly moves to raise the state gas tax nearly 9 cents, a commission created by Congress is recommending that the federal government add a dime a gallon.
President Obama's Transportation Secretary, the former congressman from Peoria Ray LaHood, said through a spokesman: "We're exploring all options."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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