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We need to invest $43 billion over 10 years to make commutes smoother and shorter, trains faster and bridges sturdier.
There's more than one way to fill this massive pothole; MPC started the statewide conversation last week by equating the $43 billion need with a 30-cent gas tax increase and a 50 percent increase in the state's vehicle registration fee. We welcomed civic leaders and policy makers to weigh in with their ideas. This week, Senate President Cullerton introduced a proposal to enact a fee based on miles driven.
We agree that Illinois needs to move in this direction; indeed, our proposal calls for full implementation of a vehicle miles traveled fee by 2026. But a mileage-based fee will take time to implement. We need a solution yesterday, or our $43 billion gap will only get bigger.
$43 billion is non-negotiable—but how we pay for it is. Here at MPC, we welcome an ongoing discussion about the best ways to invest in the infrastructure we need.
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