Some in state GOP open to smaller gas tax hike
Some Illinois Republicans are open to a gas tax hike to fund a major public works package this year - but they want it to be smaller than one floated by Democrats.
Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno of Lemont told the Daily Herald editorial board Monday that some in her caucus might vote for a gas tax hike that falls under the 16-cent-per-gallon increase identified by Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat.
But House Republican leader Tom Cross says his caucus is "very, very concerned" about raising gas taxes and would prefer to take a look at making video poker machines legal or expanding other gambling measures.
Still, Cross said the state needs a major public works package to create construction jobs and help the economy.
"I think it would be a good way to jump start the economy," Cross, of Oswego, told the editorial board.
Neither Cross nor Radogno put forth a solid proposal to fund a public works package, saying much of that is out of their hands given that Democrats control the General Assembly in Springfield.
Cullerton has identified a possible gas tax increase as high as 16 cents to bring in $1 billion, which, when combined with loans and federal funding, could amount to a $25 billion package of road, bridge and school construction across the state.
In recent years lawmakers have looked to casino expansion to fund such a large package, but both Radogno and Cross said they don't expect Democrats to move that forward this time. They also said many GOP members could support a "small" expansion of casinos in Illinois.
"I think it is fair to go back and look at some of the gaming," Cross said.
Radogno indicated the GOP side of the Senate wants to cap the state sales tax on fuel when prices reach $2.50 or $3 a gallon.
Both the House and Senate GOP caucuses have yet to formulate an official proposal as they wait for Democratic leaders and Gov. Pat Quinn to make the first budget moves.
"I want to make it clear I do not speak for my caucus," Radogno said.
The minority party is often left on the sidelines in the state's budget process. But Republican votes are needed to pass any major public works plan. They will also likely be needed for tax hikes if some Democrats deviate from their leaders.
Radogno and Cross hope a public works plan is passed before they turn their attention to solving the state's $9 billion budget shortfall.
While calling for a look first at cutting state programs, both Radogno and Cross said Monday that spending cuts alone can't fix the problem, which threatens education and health-care funding.
Many expect Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, to propose tax hikes, perhaps even an income tax increase, in his budget plans set to be delivered March 18.
Radogno and Cross bristle at the notion.
"A major tax increase is not the first place to look," Radogno said. But they concede more tax dollars are needed.
"We realize we are in this problem together," Cross said, pledging to work with Democrats on a budget solution. "We have to have those discussions."