SENATOR LAUZEN INTRODUCES "TOLLWAY-IPASS TAX DEDUCTION" LEGISLATION

Friday, February 04, 2005

By Senator Chris Lauzen

SPRINGFIELD (February 3, 2005)-- Senator Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) has filed SB294, the "Tollway-IPASS Tax Deduction" legislation in the Illinois State Senate. An amendment to the Illinois Income Tax Code, SB294 allows for the deduction of all tolls documented as being paid during the taxable year, as well as for the purchase or lease of an IPASS transponder.

"This piece of legislation simply states what is obvious to so many Illinois Tollway users. There should be a measure of tax relief for those people who pay twice to drive on Illinois Tollways. We already pay once at the pump in motor fuel tax, and then again at the toll booth," said Lauzen.

Lauzen anticipates broad bi-partisan support for this legislation, particularly from those legislators who represent the suburban collar counties.

"Unfortunately the Blagojevich Administration has chosen to divert $400,000,000 of annual gas taxes that we pay from maintaining state road improvements to other state government spending. That diversion alone exceeds the entire annual budget and income for the full 274 miles of the Illinois Tollway system. I anticipate that the Tollway-IPASS Tax Deduction will provide at least some financial relief for Illinoisans who are just trying to get to work or travel Northern Illinois," Lauzen concluded.