Illinois State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) filed legislation last week for an 8-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax increase to fund a capital construction program. Bradley says the plan would generate $500 million per year, enough to fund a $5.9 billion bonding program.
Incoming State Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) also has indicated his desire for a motor fuel tax increase for the upcoming legislative session, according to the Mid-West Truckers Association. Two years ago, Cullerton sponsored an initiative of the County Engineers that would have provided uniform 80,000-pound access throughout Illinois in exchange for a 6-cent motor fuel tax increase.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Farm Bureau announced plans to support a motor fuel tax increase of up to 10 cents per gallon if it leads to uniform 80,000-pound access for rural roads.
