Taxing vehicle mileage is not well thought-out
The Daily Herald editorial supporting state legislator Cullerton's proposal to tax resident mileage is so misguided as to spur one to use that page as birdcage liner.
I agree there needs to be an increase in spending on roads. However, the solution should be comprehensive, well thought, and be fair to all. Mr. Cullerton's suggestion of electronic monitoring is another infringement on personal liberties.
Saying that data will only be used to measure miles is a joke. Once data is collected, who knows how that information will be misused? Classic examples of data misuse are stores selling our shopping habits, banks selling our banking data, and the phone company sharing our phone numbers to privacy invading telemarketers. It's wrong!
Mr. Cullerton suggests, and the Daily Herald editorial supports, we can avoid electronic monitoring by opting out and paying a ransom based on an extraordinary number of miles driven. How many people drive 82 miles/day, $450 a year. Really? That's an outrageous sum for most of us.
Furthermore, we the people of Illinois need our legislators to act like adults. They shouldn't be asking anything more of the people of Illinois until they get their own house, our state, in order. That's where their focus should be.
Until then, stop proposing stupid ideas. Wake up, Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Gary Carmichael
Des Plaines