McHenry Times

Craig Wilcox, the Republican candidate for the 32nd Senate District, believes a mileage tax would only harm the state and its residents.

"A mileage tax is a terrible proposal that is out of touch with the needs and daily routines of most people in Illinois,” Wilcox told the McHenry Times. “This would harm rural areas, like much of the 32nd district, and would flash-freeze our already chilly economic climate. Illinois taxpayers are the most burdened in the nation, and it is entirely unfair for the politicians in Springfield to demand more from them to make up for their years of gross mismanagement and poor planning."

The mileage tax has been gaining steam ever since Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker stated he is open to the idea to fund the state’s infrastructure needs.

J.B. Pritzker

Other lawmakers showed their disapproval of the idea earlier this summer with House Resolution 0766, which formally recorded their opposition to any state taxes based on miles driven by Illinoisans.

Individuals who live in Illinois will be prone to leave, especially if the taxes make it hard for them to remain competitive as business owners have struggled in the midst of ever-increasing taxes, Wilcox said.

"We need to make Illinois competitive with the rest of the nation, and adding more taxes is counterproductive," he said. "I would certainly be prone to co-sponsoring such legislation that will oppose any proposed mileage tax." 

Rather than proposing more tax hikes, Wilcox believes that legislators need to cut spending. 

"We must address the corruption in this state and work toward solutions that will keep people here and invite others to come and invest in Illinois," he said. "Certainly, we must set out to immediately reduce our income and property taxes, and cut wasteful and unnecessary spending."

Wilcox is running against Democrat Mary Mahady for the 32nd Senate District, which includes Lake and McHenry counties.