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Forbes
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Illinois Vehicle Mileage Tax—Fix The Roads And Fund The Future
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the office of The Center for ... More American Progress (CAP) Action Fund on March 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Pritzker spoke about his views of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration so far. (Photo by) Getty Images Illinois lawmakers appear to be considering a revival of the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax—an idea that was first floated in 2019 but proved dead on arrival . Instead of recoiling from it as 'just another tax,' perhaps we should ask a more interesting question: what if the VMT tax is exactly what is needed to internalize the actual cost of road usage—not only in Illinois, but nationwide? Illinois already levies the second highest gas tax in the nation, behind only California . Since 2019, that tax has been set to climb automatically each year. This has generated about $2.8 billion annually in revenue. However, gas taxes, like a new car driven off the lot, begin losing value the moment they're implemented. As vehicles become more fuel efficient and as electric vehicles (EVs) gain a larger market share, the traditional gas tax withers on the vine. This necessitates a hiking of the tax rate to make up for a decrease in the total amount of gasoline used. In other words, less gas burned means less tax collected—but unlike fossil fuel emissions, road damage doesn't diminish with battery power. A Tesla weighs more than a Toyota Corolla. If anything, heavier EVs do more damage to roads per mile driven, not less. While they owners bypass the pump, they're still tearing up the roads. This is where a VMT tax starts to look attractive. Instead of taxing gallons, it taxes miles. In other words, it ties the road funding to the very thing actually causing the damage: driving. It transforms an attenuated tax on fuel into something of a user fee—not unlike a toll, but one that applies to all roads. This is a great start, but if Illinois is going to pilot this, they should try to get it right. A tiered structure based on vehicle weight would better align taxation with actual pavement impact. After all, a 7,000-pound curb weigh Rivian R1T chews up infrastructure a lot faster than a Chevrolet Bolt. The proposed legislation, SB1938 , allows for variable pricing by time of day and by road type. This opens the door to potential congestion pricing and smarter infrastructure load balancing. While the bill doesn't mandate it, there is nothing stopping the state from also tiering the fee by vehicle weight which, along with time of day and road type, would bring us even closer to matching tax policy with actual impact. Critics contend that the VMT tax opens the door to all manner of Orwellian surveillance schemes. The proposal's pilot program does entertain transponders and odometer photography, neither of which is ideal. However, it requires minimal data collection, explicitly prohibits personal information gathering, and offers non-GPS alternatives. It seems less like an Apple Watch for your Grand Wagoneer and more like a simple step tracker for your Corolla. Most importantly, the pilot program is temporary and subject to legislative review. It must run for at least a year, with a full report due to the General Assembly within 18 months. The report must analyze not just revenue and logistics, but equity impacts, enforcement concerns, data security, and the potential for fraud. Illinois is leading the way in infrastructure funding in part out of necessity. The state has already maxed out the gas tax regime. It has doubled the rate; it has tied it to inflation—and it is still projecting significant shortfalls in infrastructure revenue in the coming years. That isn't a sign of a sustainable system, it's the sound of a fiscal catastrophe approaching. A VMT offers something different: a user fee that grows or shrinks with road usage, not oil prices or efficiency improvements. It is potentially more equitable, resilient, and future-proof. Instead of reflexively fighting it, hopefully some Illinoisans might consider trying to make a VMT work—seeing it not as an addition to the gas tax, but an escape hatch from an ever-increasing tax regime. If Illinois can get this right, it could prove a template for the nation. The Prairie State isn't the only one staring down the barrel of fuel efficiency—every state is watching its gas tax base erode while infrastructure crumbles. A well-designed VMT system—tested small, tailored regionally, and scalable nationally—could be the first serious attempt to future-proof road funding in a generation.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
House Speaker Johnson tours ICE facility, says Chicago mayor is 'on the wrong side of the law'
House Speaker Mike Johnson called out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for opposing federal immigration enforcement, saying he was "on the wrong side of the law." "I tell you what, they have a very difficult job in this deep blue territory with a mayor on the wrong side of the law," the Speaker said Wednesday on Fox News' "America's Newsroom" with Bill Hemmer and guest co-host Gillian Turner. "They are doing everything they can, a patriotic duty," Speaker Johnson said, referring to his visit to a Chicago Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. "They are understaffed, overwhelmed with the workload trying to go after the dangerous criminal illegal aliens in the country, harming American citizens. The mayor of Chicago thinks it's an ill-conceived mission, that's madness." Both Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have spoken out against Trump's immigration enforcement efforts. "We do know ICE is coming once again in force to cities across the country, so we expect to see them in Chicago," Pritzker said Thursday. "I don't know exactly how big the force will be, but I do know he has used other law enforcement along with ICE to carry out his ill-conceived mission to go after people who frankly are paying taxes, and they're law-abiding, and they've been here for many, many years." Mayor Johnson said Monday that Trump should not deploy federal troops to enforce federal immigration priorities. "We will continue to resist," he said. "Whether it's in the courts, in the streets, or through public policy, we're going to stand up for working people." The City of Chicago has allowed in over 51,000 illegal immigrants from the southern border since August 31, 2022. Speaker Johnson addressed Trump's "big, beautiful bill" — a measure to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provide new funding for the border and defense — which passed the House on May 22 and is now in the Senate. "We're working on the one big beautiful bill to allow them the resources that are desperately needed," he said. "I mean, they are doing the job. The border is secured. We are locked down. We're not allowing illegals into the country anymore. But the enforcement and removal of the dangerous people who got here is an essential task for our ICE agents and officers to take care of. They need more personnel, they need more facilities. We're here to see it," the Speaker added. He also said that the legislation will give annual $10,000 bonuses over the next four years to ICE and Border Patrol agents "for the people on the front lines," echoing a statement from the White House.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Elise Stefanik spar during House hearing on sanctuary city policies
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joined two other governors on Capitol Hill on Thursday to testify before Congress about their states' sanctuary policies. During questioning, Hochul got into a back and forth with upstate New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has often criticized the governor and has hinted at possibly running against her in 2026. Stefanik confronts Hochul Hochul, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Tim Walz of Minnesota were called before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where they're facing questions from Republicans on the committee who see their states as hotbeds of violence due to illegal immigration, and from Democrats who believe these sanctuary policies are more important now than ever. Stefanik directed the entirety of her time towards Hochul, referencing multiple violent crimes in New York City the congresswoman blames the governor's sanctuary policies on. The city has seen arrests of protesters at the hands of the NYPD every night this week, with police officials maintaining they don't require the help of the National Guard or the Marines, for that matter, in handling the situation. "You are not advocating on behalf of these victims. You are shielding illegals. Even in your opening statement, you prioritize illegals first," Stefanik said. "That is not true," Hochul responded. "Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you look at the facts." "No, no, no, I'm looking out for New Yorkers," Stefanik shot back. Back in early May, Stefanik criticized Hochul's job performance, seemingly setting the stage for her own run at governor. "Because look at the crises that Kathy Hochul and single-party Democrat rule have delivered to New Yorkers," Stefanik said at the time, adding she believes Hochul is the worst governor in the country. "I dub that of Andrew Cuomo, not thinking anybody could make it worse. Kathy Hochul makes the impossible possible. She is the worst governor, and it's showing in her poor, abysmal approval ratings," Stefanik said. Hochul calls situation in L.A. "a flagrant abuse of power" Hochul began her aforementioned opening statement by addressing the situation in Los Angeles, saying, "An American city has been militarized, over the objections of their governor. At the outset, I just want to say that this is a flagrant abuse of power." It's a situation the governor is clearly trying to avoid in her own state, as tensions rise with stepped-up U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. Read more: Violent protests in New York City over ICE raids will not be tolerated, Mayor Eric Adams says Hochul was asked by Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts what it would mean for the city if President Trump, as he did in California, sent the military in without her request. "I have more confidence in our law enforcement than perhaps the president does. We ought to step back and say this is an overreach of epic proportions," Hochul responded.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Watch Live: Blue state governors testify on "sanctuary" policies amid L.A. protests over immigration raids
Washington — Three Democratic governors are defending their states' policies toward migrants and dispute claims of failing to cooperate with federal authorities, according to prepared remarks that will be delivered Thursday before a House oversight panel. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are among the witnesses testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on so-called "sanctuary policies." "Let me be clear: Sanctuary policies don't protect Americans. They protect criminal illegal aliens," Oversight Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican will say in his opening statement. The governors' appearances come as President Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom remain embroiled in a legal and political standoff over the deployment of the National Guard troops and Marines to quell immigration protests in Los Angeles. Demonstrations have spread to other U.S. cities, including New York and Chicago, following a series of deportation raids. The hearing "Minnesota is not a sanctuary state," Walz will tell lawmakers. "It is ridiculous to suggest that Minnesota — a state that is over 1,500 miles away from the Southern border and a thousand miles from lawmakers in Washington, D.C., who decide and implement border policy — is somehow responsible for a failure of immigration enforcement." The former vice presidential candidate has drawn intense scrutiny not only over immigration policy but also for his handling of social justice protests that broke out in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Trump administration officials have cited Walz' actions to justify the president's decision to federalize troops in California. While Walz does not appear to directly address the controversy in his testimony, he says he is "disappointed" in the federal government's overall approach. "As governor of Minnesota, it is incumbent on me to use the state's resources to help Minnesota families—not turn those resources over to the administration so they can stage another photo-op in tactical gear or accidentally deport more children without observing due process," Walz is set to say. Ahead of the hearing, the GOP-led panel released a video compilation of various news clips accusing the governors of "shielding" undocumented immigrants and "causing chaos" in their states. A memo from Hochul's office suggested the hearing could be "derailed by wild accusations" and "twisted characterizations" but noted the governor's position is "clear" when it comes to supporting strong borders and comprehensive immigration reform. "New York state cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in criminal cases," Hochul says in her prepared testimony. "And our values as New Yorkers demand that we treat those who arrive here in search of a better life with dignity and reject policies that tear law-abiding families apart." Hochul also addresses the influx of more than 220,000 migrants to New York City since early 2022, many of whom were bussed from border states, calling it "an unprecedented humanitarian crisis." "We have responded to this crisis with both compassion and pragmatism," Hochul states."And as a result, we largely prevented what could have become an additional crisis — one of street homelessness and tent cities." Pritzker says Illinois also stepped up to the challenge, and blamed the lack of federal intervention and cooperation from border states for exacerbating the problem. "As governor, my responsibility is to ensure that all Illinoisans feel safe in their homes, their businesses, and their communities," Pritzker is prepared to say. "That is why my administration continued to make significant investments in public safety, even as our resources were strained because of the lack of federal support during the crisis — expanding our state police force and investing in efforts to reduce gun violence." Congressional focus on "sanctuary" polices Thursday's session follows a March hearing on sanctuary cities with four Democratic mayors: Eric Adams, of New York, Mike Johnston of Denver, Brandon Johnson of Chicago and Michelle Wu of Boston. Comer launched an investigation in January into "sanctuary jurisdictions," including states, counties or cities, to examine their impact on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. President Trump has vowed to crack down on localities that don't back his immigration agenda. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security removed its list of sanctuary jurisdictions after several cities challenged the findings.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Well done, Illinois! State gives women's sports teams access to public funding
After decades of making do with leftovers and scraps, women's sports teams now officially have a seat at the table in Illinois. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act was amended last weekend to ensure women's teams are included in any conversations about public funding. The bill now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who intends to sign it. Advertisement 'That codification is everything,' Karen Leetzow, president of the NWSL's Chicago Stars, which led the push for the change, told USA TODAY Sports. 'When you look at history, so many examples (of inequities) exist and, absent legislation, nothing changes. To have it codified and to bring attention to past inequities and make sure that those don't happen in the future, is huge.' The Stars aren't asking for money. Not yet, anyway. Neither are the WNBA's Chicago Sky. That's not the point. OPINION: New York Liberty value soars. Time for WNBA owners to invest or get out of the way No women's team has ever gotten public funding for a facility in Illinois. Or most other states, for that matter. The idea they'd dare even ask is met with incredulousness — and, let's be honest, a healthy dose of condescending misogyny — while no one is surprised when a men's team puts its hand out. Advertisement By making this change, the Illinois legislature is sending a strong message that, in this state at least, women's teams are of equal value and worth to men's teams. That if the state has resources, the Stars and the Sky have as much right to them as the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and any other team. Now, before the Neanderthals start howling that women's teams don't make money or that men's teams should get preference because they do, let's remember that men's professional sports have at least a half-century head start on women's teams. And for much of that existence, they've been bolstered by public support. That means the public built or helped build the stadiums and arenas in which they play and the infrastructure that made them accessible to fans. The same stadiums and arenas that are a significant source of their wealth. Advertisement Take the White Sox. While they technically are tenants at Rate Field, they own the stadium for all intents and purposes. They reportedly pay less than $2 million a year in rent for a ballpark built with public funds and, in return, get to keep the revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and merchandise. The team also gets the bulk of the profits from the naming rights deal. The White Sox signage is permanent. So, too, the spaces used by the players. Oh, the White Sox also get to set the calendar at Rate Field. If there's a concert or some other non-baseball event at the ballpark, it has to work with the White Sox's schedule and wishes. WOMEN'S PRO SOFTBALL IN ILLINOIS: Schedule, how to watch 2025 AUSL games The Stars, meanwhile, are basically house guests at SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview — as they were not so subtly reminded last summer. Advertisement After the season had begun, the Stars learned that village officials planned to stage Riot Fest, a three-day punk, rock and alternative music festival, on the stadium grounds the same weekend the Stars had a home game. Nothing says professional like the sweet, sweet sounds of St. Vincent and Beck drowning out the P.A.! Riot Fest wound up being moved, but that's immaterial. The Stars have no control over their facility, financially or otherwise, which makes it hard — not impossible, but really, really hard — to build valuation. OPINION: Homes of their own critical for continued growth of women's sports. Stadiums equal revenue Still not convinced? According to Forbes, the Kansas City Current's $36 million in revenue last season was the most in the NWSL, more than $10 million more than the third-place San Diego Wave and triple that of eight clubs. Advertisement Why such a gap? Because the Current last year opened the first purpose-built stadium for a women's team and is now reaping the benefits. This year, in fact, Forbes estimates the Current will generate $45 million in revenue. 'As women's sports grow, we ought to have facilities of our own that we can monetize so hopefully we can grow,' Leetzow said. 'Without those resources, we are literally being starved. That is not going to help us move forward.' The Stars have already said they are planning to leave the geographically undesirable SeatGeek Stadium when their lease expires at the end of this season. The team prefers to train and play in the city, and is exploring its options. This doesn't mean the Stars will ask the state for money. But for the first time in their existence, it's an option. And that is another sign of progress, to have access to what men's teams have always had. Advertisement Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois gives women's sports teams access to state public funding
