DeWitte Explains Support for Gas Tax Hike

From State Senator Don DeWitte:

DeWitte approves plan to fix crumbling infrastructure

Springfield, IL… During the extended legislative session on Sunday, June 2, the Illinois Senate passed a long overdue capital and infrastructure plan (
Senate Bill 1939) that provides funding for upgrades to Illinois’ crumbling roads and bridges.

State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), the lead Senate Republican negotiator on the plan, said he was pleased with the bipartisanship throughout the entire process of crafting the package.

Don Dewitte

“This plan is a win for the State of Illinois,” said Sen. DeWitte.

“If you travel the roads and bridges at all across the state, you know they are in terrible condition and have been ignored for years.”

Sen. DeWitte said the deterioration of the state’s infrastructure was the outcome not only of years of funds being swept from the Road Fund, but also a result of cost increases and scarce available revenues.

“The problem over the past two decades is that the cost of repair and maintenance projects continues to escalate and the available funding continues to decrease due to better fuel economy cars,” said Sen. DeWitte.

“Today, people need less gasoline than they did twenty years ago; therefore, there is less money for transportation projects.”

The plan, which included a variety of revenue streams, passed the Senate with a 46-10 vote.

“I think constituents can find relief in knowing that when they pay for a tank of gas, that tax money will only be paying for transportation projects thanks to the lock box amendment that the voters passed a couple of years ago,” said Sen. DeWitte. “Unlike other taxes sent to Springfield, we know exactly where this money is going to be spent.”

The Senate also passed a proposal (Senate Bill 690) to fund “vertical” capital needs on Sunday. A majority of the revenue in SB 690 comes from the expansion of gaming throughout the state.

Both capital bills now head to the Governor for consideration


Comments

DeWitte Explains Support for Gas Tax Hike — 7 Comments

  1. More smoke and mirrors and irresponsible voting by some Republicans.

    The lottery was to be for education – it is not.

    Gambling tax was to be for infrastructure – it is not.

    The gas tax will not be used for the roads but it will be used for McCormick Place! Here is what is in the bill:

    “Beginning July 1, 2021 and until July 1, 2022, subject to the payment of amounts into the State and Local Sales Tax Reform Fund, the Build Illinois Fund, the McCormick Place
    Expansion Project Fund, the Illinois Tax Increment Fund, the Energy Infrastructure Fund, and the Tax Compliance and Administration Fund as provided in this Section, the Department shall pay each month into the Road Fund the amount estimated to represent 16% of the net revenue realized from the taxes imposed on motor fuel and gasohol. “

  2. “I think constituents can find relief in knowing that when they pay for a tank of gas, that tax money will only be paying for transportation projects thanks to the lock box amendment that the voters passed a couple of years ago.”

    Make sure you take great relief in that the next time it’s costing you even more money to fill up on gas.

    The above quote is typical of the stupid party.

    What a bumbling fool, along with the lame senator from McHenry County.

    My move date cannot come soon enough.

    My case of senioritis for this state grows worse by the day.

  3. The lottery was sold as being for education, but it only passed as a method to finance the Regional Transportation Authority.

    It was part of the deal.

    See Sun-Times the day adter RTA passed.

  4. We should all be so lucky as to be able to fill up in Wisconsin.

  5. Re: ” “Unlike other taxes sent to Springfield, we know exactly where this money is going to be spent.”

    Accurate statement.

    Unfortunately the taxes will NOT all be spent on the roads!

    Remember that every contract for road maintenance / building is also subject to union wage rates.

    Question to DeWitt: Where are all the bills to reduce spending?

  6. Well, then-Democratic state senate challenger (and current D300 school bard member) Nancy Zettler was right.

    DeWitte voted to raise the gas taxes.

    I’m sure Zettler would have done the same thing.

    Knew there was trouble because of him being a former mayor and how the mayors in his district openly lobbied for new revenues to rebuild roads/bridges.

    Unfortunately, his senate seat isn’t up for election until 2022, and given it’s a redistricting year, he is likely going to be drawn into a more compact district, unlikely to be representing McHenry County.

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