Opinion

Have speeders pay off state debt

Posted April 09, 2009 11:00 pm

We do not need a 50 percent increase in state income tax when a much simpler solution is readily available. The Illinois Tollway used two speed-checking photo units in construction areas about a year or two ago. The income from speeding citations was reported to be about $1 million in the first week or two of operation. If the state placed 10 or more of these units on major highways and interstates, the debt could be paid off in a very short time without raising taxes. Ten units equates to about $130 million per year to pay off the debt and for the photo units and their operation. If driver lawsuits are a concern, the state could hire a number of lawyers and still be way ahead with this amount of income. If new or changed legislation is required to use these speed/photo units, our legislature needs to take action. This would not only eliminate the debt but also reduce speeding and speed-related accidents without taxing Illinois citizens. Why not have the law breakers pay off the state debt?

Martin Findling

Carol Stream

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