Will County Republican Caucus oppose county gas tax
JOLIET, Ill. – Sept. 4, 2019 – Will County residents could be facing a 4 to 8-cent per gallon gas tax increase at the pump if the Will County Democratic Caucus votes in favor of the tax. The Will County Republican Caucus has come out in opposition.
“Illinois residents are taxed enough already and now the Democrats want to increase the taxes on Will County residents,” said Ray Tuminello (R-New Lenox). “With the current and new state taxes and fees, it is time to give people a break.”
Will County, along with other collar counties, received authorization to levy a motor fuel tax of up to 8 cents per gallon as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $45 billion capital plan. This year’s capital plan already doubled the state’s gas tax to 38 cents from 19 cents per gallon.
The county gas tax would be on top of the state and municipal gas taxes drivers already pay.
This year, as a result of the new 19-cent per gallon gas tax and infrastructure bond issue, the County will receive over $10 million additional dollars in addition to the $9 million the County already receives. The County also receives $20 million from the Regional Transportation Authority tax to be used on roads. Yet the Democrats want to institute an additional 4-cents per gallon tax to generate another $12 million in County gas tax funds.
“If the other side of the aisle wants to put a gas tax in, it is time to ask residents who weren’t given a voice on the state gas tax to weigh in,” said Will County Board Member Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen). “We should ask the residents how they want to spend their money and let them decide.”
Fricilone suggested putting an advisory referendum question on the ballot regarding the County gas tax.
The Caucus noted that a gas tax, along with taxes on license plates, video gaming, cigarettes, liquor and parking, are regressive taxes that impact lower income residents and seniors who are on a fixed income.
“There is no need to keep burdening voters with these taxes,” Fricilone said.
The gas tax will be voted on by the full Will County Board on Sept. 19.
