Under proposed legislation, Illinois would explore the viability of reducing reliance on the state’s gas tax by putting in place a “road usage charge,” essentially a tax on the number of miles driven. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
By George Wiebe | Chicago Sun*Times
Funding worries: As vehicles become more fuel efficient and electric vehicles make greater inroads, Illinois faces an unexpected consequence — less funding for roads. The motor fuel tax helps pay for road, bridge and public transit improvements throughout Illinois. Now, though, vehicles require less gas — or no gas at all — so funding for infrastructure has taken a hit.
Proposed fix: Legislation proposed by state senators Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Christopher Belt (D-East St. Louis) takes aims at the problem by creating a pilot program to explore the viability of establishing a “road usage charge,” essentially a tax on miles driven.
How it would work: To track and report mileage, some drivers could have a transponder on their car, though motorists also could be allowed to send a photo of their odometer to IDOT.
Read the full story here.