Reboletti Votes Against Massive Tax Increases

September 05. 2007

Springfield … State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) votes against bailing out the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) with an increase in DuPage County’s sales tax as well as Cook and the collar counties. Also included was an increase to the City of Chicago’s real estate transfer tax.

“Mass transit is meant to ease congestion and reduce pollution, but the CTA has a history of mismanagement and funding sweetheart pension deals for its executives at the expense of its riders and the taxpayers who subsidize it,” Reboletti said. “The bill as proposed, relies on a 9.25 percent sales tax – it triples the county portion – further burdening families and businesses in the 46th District. This increase would cost the average family hundreds of dollars per year. Why should my constituents shoulder this tax to bail out the CTA while the majority of them drive to work and are already being taxed at the gas pump.”

Senate Bill 572 would increase the sales tax in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties bringing in a projected $400 million for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The RTA is comprised of the CTA, Metra and Pace. Forty-eight percent of the projected revenue will be used for CTA operations with the rest being split between with 39% for Metra & 13% for Pace. In addition, this bill would allow the Chicago City Council to increase its current real estate transfer tax - bringing in an estimated $100 million for CTA operations only.

Reboletti stated that in addition to mass transit, the legislature should also be focusing on providing a capital bill to help maintain and improve our roads and bridges.

“Transportation is an extremely important issue that affects everyone - whether taking the train to work, driving to the grocery store or putting your child on the school bus. In addition to addressing the mass transit system, the legislature also needs to focus on a capital bill to maintain and expand our current roadway system,” Reboletti said. “Recently, the federal government passed legislation which includes millions in federal transportation dollars for roadway improvements and expansion. The state has yet to secure the matching funds needed to receive federal dollars for the following fiscal year. The legislature needs to pass a capital bill to ensure that we don’t lose out on these rare, federal transportation dollars.”

Senate Bill 572 did not pass in the House and the Governor has stated that he would veto the legislation. Additional questions can be directed to Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.

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