Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson fears the newly proposed mileage tax will do more to drive residents out of the state than anything else.

“It’s as crazy as anything I’ve heard,” Jameson told the Metro East Sun. “Even by Springfield’s tax, tax, tax standards, this is crazy talk.”

Illinois News Network (INN) reports the proposal would require motorists to track their travels by using a device placed in their vehicle. The owner would then be taxed based on the miles they drive with all the funds earmarked to cover the cost of infrastructure projects across the state.

Rep. Jay Hoffman

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker recently gave the plan a boost by expressing an openness to it.

The state's infrastructure repairs will cost approximately $21 billion annually, INN states.

“It strikes me as just being more of the same,” said Jameson, who is running against Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) in the 113th House District. “I can’t think of the last time all the money that was budgeted for something like this was actually used it that way. It’s part of the reason why we're in the position we’re in.”

The people of the 113th district believe the tax is unnecessary and the bulk of the burden will fall squarely on their shoulders, Jameson said.

“That’s the way everyone sees it that doesn’t live and work in Chicago,” he said. “In places like the 113th District, people have to drive virtually everywhere they go. How is that fair when you compare it to places like Chicago where there are a lot more options?”

Residents shouldn’t expect to hear any solutions coming from Hoffman, Jameson said.

“He wants what Madigan wants and this tax idea is a Madigan and Pritzker thing,” he said.

The 113th House District includes Madison and St. Clair counties.