While the annual savings might amount to less than the cost of a single refill, “any relief we can provide to families is worth giving,” Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reelection-year pitch to freeze the state gas tax he doubled in 2019 is being met with wide-ranging opposition from critics who contend it would save drivers a pittance at the pump while impairing the state’s ability to repair crumbling roads and bridges.
“It’s certainly not the best policy,” David Merriman, an expert on state finances at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said of Pritzker’s overall tax relief proposal. “It appears from the governor’s speech … that what he wants to do is ease the tax burden on lower- and middle-income households. … I think that there are better options for doing that than the three options that he picked.”
Pritzker says his gas tax plan would save drivers a combined $135 million, money that would otherwise be deposited in state’s road fund. The proposal comes after voters in 2016 approved a “lockbox” amendment to the state constitution to end the long-standing practice of diverting money from filling potholes to plugging budget holes.
Among those against the plan is Kevin Burke, executive vice president of the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association and co-chair of the Transportation for Illinois Coalition, who said freezing the gas tax, even for one year, would set a bad precedent for tough economic times in the future and sacrifice money for road repairs that the state may never get back.
Motorists wait to buy gas at a Costco station on Feb. 4, 2022, in Chicago. In addition to forgoing an inflation-based increase in the gas tax, slated to kick in July 1 and estimated at 2.2 cents per gallon, Pritzker’s proposal would pause the 1% sales tax on groceries for a year and give a one-time property tax rebate to homeowners.
“The tax relief, if you figure it out, would probably add up to, at most, $15 a motorist. It’s a great gimmick, especially in an election year,” the Local 150 adviser said. “But we’re talking about $135 million. That’s literally a rounding error” for the state if the money were to come from the general fund, which pays for most day-to-day operations, rather than the road fund.
[Most read] Evaluating the Chicago Bears’ current offensive line — and meeting the top new prospects: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts from the Senior Bowl“Republicans are the party of cutting taxes, and I think we would be supportive of all sorts of tax cuts if the governor would engage us on things,” Butler said.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker mandates COVID-19 vaccine boosters for nursing home and other long-term care workersWorkers at Illinois nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will be required to get a coronavirus vaccine booster dose by March 15, if they’re eligible for the shot, under an executive order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Leer más »
Gov. J.B. Pritzker lashes back at GOP candidate Richard Irvin’s criticism of criminal justice reform: ‘He doesn’t really understand the law’Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker defended his support for sweeping criminal justice reforms and dismissed GOP candidate Richard Irvin’s accusation that it played a role in law enforcement officer deaths.
Leer más »
Downstate Judge Issues Order Against Mask Mandate For Illinois Schools; Gov. Pritzker's Office AppealsUPDATE: A Illinois judge's ruling tonight against state rules on masks and other COVID mitigations for schools says, 'Any non-named Plaintiffs and School Districts throughout this State may govern themselves accordingly.' Gov. Pritzker is appealing.
Leer más »
Judge blocks Va. Gov. Youngkin's order making masks optional in public schoolsState judge in Virginia issues a temporary restraining order blocking Gov. Youngkin's executive order making masking in school's optional.
Leer más »
How much could you save on groceries, gas under Gov. Pritzker's proposed family relief plan?Governor JB Pritzker is promoting his family relief plan as part of his budget proposal, suspending sales tax on groceries and freezing the gas tax
Leer más »
Judge Halts Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Opt-Out School Mask Order, For NowArlington Circuit Court Judge Louise DiMatteo ruled in favor of seven school boards that filed a lawsuit challenging the governor’s order.
Leer más »