Did you see the long lines at the pump yesterday? All those people wanted to fill up before the new gasoline tax took effect today.
From the PANTAGRAPH:
The most direct tax for consumers will be the 19-cent increase to the motor fuel tax which will help fund $33 billion in spending on transportation projects such as road and bridge repairs and public transit.
The motor fuel tax on regular gasoline and diesel fuel will both increase to 38 cents, up from the current 19 cents. In addition, though, people who buy diesel fuel pay an additional tax, “for the privilege of operating motor vehicles which use diesel fuel.” That additional fee will rise to 7.5 cents, up from the current 2.5 cents, bringing the total tax on diesel fuel to 45.5 cents per gallon.
Also going up, the tax on a pack of cigarettes will increase from $1.98, to $2.98, and if you are under 21, you are out of luck to purchase as now that is illegal. Senate Bill 690, which included a big expansion of gambling in our happy state of Illinois, also included the cigarette tax language to not leave out electronic cigarettes,vapes and hookahs with these new taxes, as they are now labeled as “tobacco products.”
What will this windfall of new cash be used for?
Rebuild Illinois, the state’s first large-scale infrastructure program in 10 years. The $45 billion capital plan is expected to repair roads and bridges across Illinois, and create more than 500,000 jobs.
FYI, Vehicle registration fees are going up from $101 to $151 a year beginning with 2021 registrations, and electrical vehicle registration fees would go up from $34 every two years to $251 every year.
Truck registration fees will rise by $50 for vehicles 8,000 pounds and less, and $100 for vehicles 8,001 pounds and more. AND…..Chicago parking rates are going up thanks to a new 6% tax on daily and hourly garage parking and a 9% tax on annual garage parking. The estimate is that tax alson will bring in $60 million in new state revenue.
Susan Saunders 7/1/19
