If you drive around Illinois, you will see lots of state parks.
They are as common in many non-Chicago metropolitan counties as forest preserves and conservation district sites.
The difference is that state taxpayers (disproportionately from the Chicago metropolitan area, especially the suburbs) pay for the upkeep of state parks while local taxpayers foot the bill for forest preserves and conservation district sites.
So, it was with more than a little interest that I saw on the back of my license plate renewal post card (no return envelopes anymore) that $2 had been tacked on “for state parks.”
Senate Bill 1566 is the culprit. You can see how folks voted below:
Locally, State Representatives Jack Franks and Kent Gaffney voted against the measure. Mike Tryon voted for it.
State Senator Pam Althoff voted against the bill. State Senators Dan Duffy and Chris Lauzen did not vote. (Since a number of positive votes are needed, not voting is pretty close to voting “No.”)
The increase of two dollars seems trivial, but if we consider that there is approximately 10.4 million vehicles registered in the State of Illinois, that adds up to 20.8 million additional dollars for our state parks.
Is there no end beating up the people to the point they are unable to survive anymore.
We are being nickel and dime to death because our government is incapable to administer our tax dollars properly.
Excellent article!
I have no problem with using the money for state parks.
I do have a problem with using the money for things like politicians’ continued exorbitant pensions and perks – like chauffeurs.