Use gas tax funds only for road projects

I write in response to your July 24 story “Business coalition: Raise gas taxes for road repairs,” regarding a proposal to increase gasoline prices in Illinois to raise money for road repairs. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition proposes to eliminate the state’s 19 cents-per-gallon motor fuel tax, which produced nearly $1.3 billion in revenue in 2012, and replace it with a 9.5 percent tax on what gas stations pay for fuel. This could result in higher prices at the pump by more than 13 cents per gallon.

The Daily Herald reported the proposal was designed to generate nearly $800 million more annually for construction and maintenance of Illinois roads, bridges and transit infrastructure.

The coalition’s heart is in the right place; I agree we need more money to buttress the state’s crumbling road network and structurally deficient bridges. However, before we discuss raising taxes on gasoline, Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration should end all diversions of road funds for purposes other than rebuilding our infrastructure.

Illinois is one of nine states to collect a general sales tax on gasoline. More than $700 million annually is diverted to the state’s general fund, which the Illinois Policy Institute calls a “windfall” for the state’s treasury. That money should only be used for road repairs. If we use the sales tax funds for our roads, we wouldn’t have to raise taxes!

I believe sound tax policy should mean prices paid at the pump by consumers should be used for infrastructure, not welfare. Since Illinois already has the fourth-highest gasoline taxes in America, according to GasPriceWatch.com, and motorists also pay tolls to maintain and improve Illinois’ gigantic tollway system, we shouldn’t be in a hurry to throw more petrol onto the fire of out-of-control fuel costs.

State Sen. Kirk W. Dillard

24th District

Hinsdale