SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is strongly opposing proposals to track and tax motorists based on the miles they drive annually.
“Illinois is in an unprecedented financial situation, but punishing families for the miles they drive is completely unreasonable,” Smiddy said. “In addition to adding to the burden of working families across Illinois when they can least afford it, taxing by the mile unfairly targets downstate families who drive farther to go to work, attend community engagements and run errands.”
A recent proposal in the Illinois Senate would require all drivers to pay a per-mile road tax beginning in July of 2017. The bill, and other similar proposals, would require drivers to somehow track the miles they drive annually, and tax drivers on those miles. Smiddy is vigorously opposing the legislation, knowing that the taxes drivers pay at the pump is more than their fair share of the costs of improving Illinois roads.
“We need to get serious about passing a realistic budget that provides the stability Illinois families and businesses need, and stop distracting ourselves with short-sighted proposals that continue to hurt working families,” Smiddy said. “I’m happy that the Senate sponsor of this proposal has heard the widespread outrage that has accompanied this proposal, and has agreed to abandon this new tax. I will remain vigilant and oppose any similar proposals that unfairly target working families in our area. I hope that we can now return to a serious conversation about solving the budget problems facing Illinois.”
For more information, contact Smiddy’s full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098 or email RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
