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“A gas tax, you might as well just change the name of it from a gas tax to a downstate tax,” said state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville. “The fact of the matter is, Mayor Emanuel is not going to hesitate to push something like that. A lot of folks that he represents in Chicago, they’re taking public transportation, taking the Metra, they have trains, they have all these things in Chicago that folks in Southern Illinois don’t have. … A gas tax is a tax on Southern Illinois because we are more rural, more spread out. We travel further for school, we travel further for work, we travel further to visit family.” […]

[Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville] said he fears increases in the gas tax could be used to pay for upgrades to the Chicago-area’s commuter train system, Metra.

“I don’t want to pay for Metra upgrades,” Meier said. “We have to drive to work here in Southern Illinois. We’re the ones paying that gas tax.”

* But…

A deal hammered out by the state’s top politicians in the 1980s means that 45 percent of all transportation revenues go to the Chicago metropolitan area and 55 percent is allocated to downstate Illinois.

IDOT’s District 1 contains the counties of Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, Dupage and Will. That’s 65 percent of the state’s population getting 45 percent of the transportation revenues. The rest of the state has 35 percent of the population, but they receive 55 percent of the money.

By the way, District 1 motorists drove 35 billion miles in 2017, according to IDOT. The rest of the state’s motorists drove 26 billion miles that year.

* Also from IDOT, here’s the 2017 Average Daily Vehicle Miles of Travel by county…

* Madison (Plummer): 8,105,659
* Washington (Meier): 1,165,736
* Cook: 87,784,902

So, yeah, individuals do appear to drive longer distances every day in those two Downstate counties. Madison County has 5 percent of the population of Cook, but its daily vehicle miles traveled is 9 percent of Cook’s, for instance.

But they’re also getting lots more money back from the state than Cook is getting per capita.

* And that’s not even to mention this Paul Simon Public Policy Institute study of state revenues versus state spending…

The research shows the south region receives $2.81 in state funds for every $1 generated. The central Illinois region of 50 counties receives $1.87 back for every $1.00 sent to Springfield. All of the downstate regions receive more from the state budget than they pay in taxes. By comparison, Cook County receives 90 cents for every $1, and the suburban counties only 53 cents for every $1 generated.

* Back to the BND story…

Pritzker said he hasn’t decided on where he would stand on an increase in the gas tax.

“I don’t know, I don’t like regressive taxes much, that’s why I proposed a fair tax system for the state,” Pritzker said. “I don’t want to rely too much on regressive taxes, that’s why I’m looking for all the opportunities to piece together the revenue that would be required for an infrastructure bill. “

Everybody needs to just take a chill pill.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:13 pm

Comments

Just downstate Republicans doing what they do best, blaming Chicago to cover up the fact they keep falling behind thanks to Republican policy’s.

Comment by Horseshoe Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:18 pm
Jason Plummer was something less than truthful? Par for the course.

Comment by someonehastosayit Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:25 pm
The irony is even in Chicago public transportation is facing declining ridership. Most people prefer to be on their own schedule if they can…

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-biz-transit-ridership-decline-20181130-story.html

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/cta-busiest-route-continues-to-lose-riders-79th-street-bus-roderick-sawyer/

Comment by steve Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:26 pm
This is the ball game where utter ignorance meets partisan arrogance…

===[Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville] said he fears increases in the gas tax could be used to pay for upgrades to the Chicago-area’s commuter train system, Metra.

===“I don’t want to pay for Metra upgrades,” Meier said. “We have to drive to work here in Southern Illinois. We’re the ones paying that gas tax.”===

To…

===The research shows the south region receives $2.81 in state funds for every $1 generated. The central Illinois region of 50 counties receives $1.87 back for every $1.00 sent to Springfield. All of the downstate regions receive more from the state budget than they pay in taxes. By comparison, Cook County receives 90 cents for every $1, and the suburban counties only 53 cents for every $1 generated.===

This idea that “downstate” is getting hurt by “She-Caw-Go” (and I hear that distain in that when it’s referenced in quotable ignorance) the problem will be that regionalism, pitting parts of this state against each other is only factual in the opinions of malice towards the other, not measured in any fact.

If the goal is to be small-minded, regionally biased, based on dog whistle words like “She-Caw-Go” to seem… thoughtful… it’s no wonder the Illinois GOP wants “land” to measure strength and not… people.

So very disappointing, but not at all surprising… while being terribly sad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:26 pm
You are right about the chill pill, Rich. Speaker Madigan said two weeks ago after a House Democrat Caucus meeting that he doesn’t expect any action on a transportation/capital bill until the end of the session.

Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:27 pm
As a rural person above I-80, I would add that many of us also deal with the tollway, and the regular replenishment of the I-Pass. Those southerners don’t know how good they have it.

Comment by 100 miles west Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:28 pm
== Jason Plummer was something less than truthful? ==

Nah, he just doesn’t understand. I expected as much from my new State Senator. About the same as the last State Senator.

Comment by Highland Il Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:30 pm
Hey- what we’re going to need is an annual tax on electric vehicles to compensate for the loss in gas tax revenues. As more people drive Tesla’s why should they get a pass. The vehicles need to contribute to road maintenance just as much as do traditional vehicles

Comment by Sue Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:30 pm
===“The fact of the matter is, Mayor Emanuel is not going to hesitate to push something like that. A lot of folks that he represents in Chicago, they’re taking public transportation, taking the Metra, they have trains, they have all these things in Chicago that folks in Southern Illinois don’t have.===

Senator Plummer…

Are you saying, economically, commuter trains make more sense for downstate versus “She-Caw-Go”?

Are you saying public transportation is… bad?

Show me the numbers, the daily ridrers, the congestion alleviation study for a southern Illinois commuter plan … after your slurpee and Little Debbie’s Snack.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Transportation funds should be divided based on population and commercial activity. That gives the counties incentive to encourage transportation modes that cost less to maintain.

“I don’t want to pay for Metra upgrades,” Meier said. “We have to drive to work here in Southern Illinois. We’re the ones paying that gas tax.”

Have to or choose to?

Comment by State Sen. Clay Davis Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:36 pm
State Sen Clay Davis, there’s going to be people that a bus is simply not going to be practical for. If you live on a farm 30 miles away from your (second, non-farming) job, a bus is not going to be practical.

But sure, let’s ask the question, do the study and see what, if any, benefit there would be to the idea.

Comment by Perrid Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:40 pm
My biggest problem with this sort of rhetoric is that there are very few Downstate Democrats left in the GA. I live Downstate. Both of my legislators are Republicans.

I get the whole “throw red meat at my constituents about Chicago” thing, but the super-majority Dems have no real incentives to help this region.

So, maybe tone it down a bit and work together.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:40 pm
Looks like my new State Senator is going to start where the old one (McCarter) left off. Same old worn out talking points that unfortunately find willing listeners around this part of the state.

Comment by Fayette County Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:41 pm
I was wondering how long it would take for my representatives in the GA. to make fools of themselves. This took less time than I thought.

Neither of these individuals have been known to let the facts change the point of what they see as a persuasive political argument targeted to their base. More to come from these two.

Comment by illini Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:43 pm
Well, Charlie Meier, R-Okawville you don’t want to pay for Metra upgrades, well I don’t want to pay for roads in Washington County either, because I take a train to work (and drive to a train station).

See how stupid that is?

My station has 5,760 people get on every day, one third the population of Washington County. I am going to go out on a limb and state that the folks who get on my train every day contribute almost as much to the States GDP as all of Washington County. My train line has over double the people who live in Washington County get on every workday.

I understand I have to help pay for your roads, it makes sense even though I am never going to drive on them. It makes a ton of sense for you to help pay for my train.

If not I am more than happy to make it where your district just funds your roads and the collars fund our roads and Metra.

Who is going to win in that one?

Comment by OneMan Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:49 pm
I am amused by so many of the good folks on the right side reacting to Governor Pritzker in much the same fashion as the “snowflakes” they like to poke fun at did when Trump won.

Comment by theq Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:50 pm
“Hey- what we’re going to need is an annual tax on electric vehicles to compensate for the loss in gas tax revenues. As more people drive Tesla’s why should they get a pass. The vehicles need to contribute to road maintenance just as much as do traditional vehicles” … first time I have agreed with Sue lol

Comment by theq Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:52 pm
Would this effect a higher percentage of their constituents than a Chicago area representative? Sure. In addition to the population multiplier implied in the total mileage driven, consider that 20 miles on an uncongested rural road burns less fuel than 20 miles in stop-and-go traffic in Chicago or a moderately populated suburb. There are a lot of variables not accounted for in this ham-handed attempt to once again blame Chicago for everything.

Comment by Anon324 Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:56 pm
“Transportation funds should be divided based on population and commercial activity.”

MFT funds are distributed to the local agencies based on the following:
Municipalities = population of town/city
Counties = # of vehicle registrations in the county.
Townships = lane miles of road under their jurisdiction

Comment by Huh? Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:56 pm
==So, maybe tone it down a bit and work together.==

Nah, their primary voters would rather live in their current fantasyland where they can continue to get all of the suburbs’ tax dollars while electing those who vote “No” on every bill and badmouth everyone who lives north of Peoria. One of these days, some smart dem is going to figure out a way for Chicago and the burbs to stop subsidizing downstate. Maybe only then will folks down here realize that electing people like Jason Plummer and the resulting super-minority status that comes with it wasn’t a very good idea after all….

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:57 pm
The only thing worse than a gas tax is State Senator Plummer.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:57 pm
===I get the whole “throw red meat at my constituents about Chicago” thing, but the super-majority Dems have no real incentives to help this region.

So, maybe tone it down a bit and work together.===

Good point(s)

I see this as shoring up regional fiefdoms while not thinking that to expand the GOP footprint, the Republicans need to think more “statewide wins” not drawing a line where Republicans can’t be possible.

Republicans aren’t for commuter trains? Probably need to check with Kirk Dillard…

Short-sided, regional placating. Disappointing.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:57 pm
I’m from Southern Illinois. You are going to have to drag those republican nitwit kicking and screaming into the progressive era.

Comment by Brendan Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 1:58 pm
==Brendan==

It’s going to be better for everyone to just leave them behind and move forward. I’m not interested in dragging anyone anywhere. I’m not going to treat grown adults like children.

They want to be left behind. That’s fine.

I hope they understand what that means though.

Maybe Plummer can introduce a bill that road taxes can only be used in the county they are collected in, if for no other reason than to finally have some hard numbers about where there funding is actually coming from.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:10 pm
TheInvisibleMan

I agree with you entirely. Unfortunately nothing will be good enough for them. This is why I moved up to Champaign/Urbana, Many people I know have threatened to move to Indiana or Kentucky. I have literally told people, politely mind you, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that they do just that.

Comment by Brendan Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:13 pm
I can remember back to Republican Sen. Steve Rauschenberger trying to unite Cook and suburban lawmakers (or both parties) to change this ratio and get more for District 1 because of the things you cite.

Downstate Republicans are lucky their suburban counterparts haven’t stopped hating Chicago enough to figure this out.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:16 pm
Sue, according to The Statistical portal there are 4,484,546 registered vechicles in Illinois as of 2016. Of those, according the Secretary of States Office, about 8,000 are electric. So, Sue you really think taxing this .002% is significant, or is your TESLA envy significant? Try to stick with things that matter.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:22 pm
Sorry, Anonymous 2:22 be me.

Comment by wondering Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:28 pm
I’m in agreement with theq. Sue’s idea is very good. I’ve also never typed those words together into a sentence before, but it makes me happy to do so.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:30 pm
I truly believe we need to be careful though. Just in 2010 we almost had extreme conservative Bill Brady in the governors office.

Comment by Brendan Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:31 pm
I have watched IDOT enter into jurisdictional transfers with local units of government - most frequently with municipalities for a spur or section of state maintained highway in a small town. This transfer usually entails IDOT resurfacing the section, repairing or installing necessary curbing/drainage, and other adjacencies like parking surfaces, painting, etc in exchange for the permanent transfer to the municipality.

For those legislators that want to cut state spending by 10%, what 10% of IDOT maintained roadways in your district would you suggest be reverted to counties, townships, and municipalities?

What better way to reduce spending and maintain local control? Every layer of government is more efficient than the State of Illinois, just ask them. Send them the appropriate MTF funds, along with the perpetual maintenance agreement.

Comment by Midstate Indy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:32 pm
- OneMan - and - Michelle Flaherty - are on this.

If downstate Republicans want to concede Cook and the Collars for all time, keep this thinking going.

Candidates in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Cook, transportation and train stops are a big windfall and important to run “for” as a challenger as GOP suburban seats dwindle.

Sometimes regional thinking stifles statewide party growth as the chorus of this GOP continues to want the discussion to be “She-Caw-Go versus us”… welp, the region around Chicago has lots of seats and voters… telling them that the GOP isn’t for regional needs right now… with 19 Senate seats and 44 House seats “throughout” the state isn’t helping growth when being so regional in public about things like transportation.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:34 pm
Downstate Republicans all love to blame “She-Caw-Go” for everything they see as being an injustice to their constituents and will rage against the unfair treatment and injustice they feel they are subject to.

Willy, you are so correct when you say that “—utter ignorance meets partisan arrogance.” Downstate Repubs have almost always had that problem and things are obviously not changing. Your party should be able to do much better.

I am not sure if my members of the GA realize how many bridges they are burning with these antics. and I am almost certain that there will be much more from these two.

Comment by illini Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:37 pm
wondering–

It’s not just Teslas, it’s hybrid cars as well. Neighboring states, as well as other blue states, have handled this by increasing registration fees on those types of vehicles.

Of course, the largest source of wear and tear to roads is increased tractor-trailer traffic (see Rich’s post earlier this week about what’s happening in Elwood). But effectively recouping the costs imposed by that traffic is a much more difficult task.

Comment by Anon324 Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:40 pm
Charlie must be in panic mode. He jumped into bed with Rauner over the Murray DD Center.

Charlie spent the last 12 months telling the Murray Center parents the big bad Dems would close Murray. So what else ya got Charlie? Anything other than you usual mouthing off about Chicago?

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:40 pm
== Try to stick with things that matter.==

It does matter. Look we understand you don’t want to pay any extra taxes because of your Tesla, but that’s not what’s important. What is important is taxation that provides funds for the repair of infrastructure being equitable for everyone who drives. There are a lot of other electric vehicles besides Tesla, and the owners of all of these electric vehicles cause their share of degradation to our roads and bridges. Being part of a small minority (EV owners) does not excuse one from their social responsibilities.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:45 pm
Rich, thanks for drawing attention to this.

For — way — too long downstate legislators are willing to ignore facts and details in the arguments they make to their constituents.

These are the same guys that are going to holler about every cent of revenue raised and then show up to cut ribbons on every project they pay for.

Downstate voters deserve better elected officials than this, so thanks for trying to keep them honest.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:45 pm
- illini -

Thanks. Appreciate it.

I’d like to see more of things like…

“We’re really lucky in this state to have the Chicagoland region and the rural regions we have. Illinois is a top tier state in both agriculture and a 21st century urban economy, with transportation being vital for both. The Republican goal is to make sure the needs of both are met making all of Illinois stronger. I’ll make sure our region, and all regions can meet their challenges.”

…

… but that’s just me.

Be well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 2:45 pm
Glad to see Governor Pritzker say he doesn’t want to rely on regressive taxes. I don’t see how he can deliver on his many initiatives without multiple revenue streams, but keeping an increase to the gas tax to a minimum would be positive.

I just don’t see how he gets where he wants to go from a proposed progressive income tax that can’t happen for 2 years, and that is only supposed to hit the wealthy. Something has to give.

Comment by SSL Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 3:02 pm
Plumber… tax my neighbor not me.

Comment by Big foot Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 3:06 pm
If downstate wants Metra, could we please give it to them and replace it with something better up here?

Comment by ike Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 3:25 pm
Downstate would have to have a referendum to join the RTA service area and pay the RTA sales tax first.

Comment by NoGifts Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 3:59 pm
Anonymous- you obviously don’t read up on trends- as I said as more people drive electric vehicles. Within 10 years finding an internal combustion vehicle will be pretty hard. The future of autos is electric and none of those people will be buying gasoline. States will need to find an alternative taxing scheme to get sufficient funds to maintain our roads. I appreciate your sentiments though

Comment by Sue Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 4:04 pm
==Within 10 years finding an internal combustion vehicle will be pretty hard==

Wanna bet?
While electrics will continue to make inroads, they only comprise about 1% of the current market. Battery technology and cost needs to go up and come down respectively before they are more widely accepted. Do YOU personally own one? Me either. Actually, I’d like to have one as an urban runabout, but only when it makes financial sense to do so, which it currently does not. They (or some variant like fuel cell powered) vehicles ARE the future, it sure isn’t going to happen within ten years. Neither are fully-autonomous vehicles.

Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 5:52 pm
The RTA moves 1/6th of Illinois-over 2 million riders each weekday. A new study from the Met. Plan Comm. Indicated than 85% of all new commercial construction and 50% of all new jobs in past decade were within a mile of mass transit. The return on investment in transit is a whopping 4-1 per APTA. The RTA has the lowest operating cost per mile in America and it would take 27 more lanes on Chicago to handle its daily riders without METRA. Mass transit in Chicago frees up much MORE money for downstate roads. Also, suburbanites pay tolls for roads the State can not afford from its IDOT monies. Where transit goes the economy grows!!!!

Comment by Kirk Dillard Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 6:09 pm