Rockford Sun

Illinois has the 11th highest gasoline tax in the country, according to the Tax Foundation, but this ranking could change if proposed tax hikes become law.

The state of the roads and transportation in Illinois has long been debated as an area that needs to be addressed, but some leaders are wary that it will bring tax increases that could make Illinois the most expensive gas tax state. 

"Illinois is clearly falling behind when it comes to bridge and road maintenance; delaying addressing the problem only increases future liability further," Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) told the Rockford Sun. 

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)

At the same time, however, Syverson understands that changes need to be made, just not changes that require the state to increase taxes.

"The state needs to concentrate on fixing what they have before spending money on new projects," Syverson said. "Tthey also have to look at building what is practical, not these high and extravagant projects that many have become. People are driving less, driving more cost-effective cars, and using electric cars. The state is taking in less road money each year while the need is increasing – that is an equation but cannot work."

Syverson said that proposals to increase the gasoline tax by a possible 85 cents a gallon and increase license plate fees by more than $400 are frankly impractical, mostly due to the positioning of Illinois in relation to other states.

"We are surrounded by five states with lower gas costs," Syverson said. "Large increases in the gas tax would be very costly to the state with the loss of sales, especially with trucking. They will fill up In another state and drive right through. While it’s true we get some of that money back, we lose all the additional revenue from those truckers who stop and eat, buy lottery tickets, do gaming, and do minor repairs."

"The best solution would be the federal government doing a uniform increase across the country so it doesn’t hit one state against another," Syverson said. "In the absence of that Illinois could look at a small increase with possible annual increases similar to something Indiana did. That increase would be nowhere near 85 cents. I can’t imagine the legislature passing anything more than $0.05-$0.10. Then there would have to be some kind of a separate fee worked out for those with electric cars."