Illinois Gas Station Owners Oppose Fuel Tax Hike Plan

Illinois gas station owners are speaking out against proposals for a fuel tax hike being floated in Springfield this year. 

Retail gas station leaders will announce their opposition to such a plan at a news conference on Monday afternoon in the state Capitol. They say increasing the gas tax in a tough economy would hurt drivers and businesses owners.  

Two weeks ago, a state transportation group unveiled their plan for funding road construction and public transit. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition's proposal included increasing the gas tax by 4 cents. They also called for higher vehicle registration fees and ending the ethanol credit for gasoline. 

Funding from the state's five-year capital construction program is set to run out this year. The state gas tax hasn't been increased since 1990.