- Legislation aimed at bolstering funding for state parks by increasing license plate fees by $2 and charging fees to out-of-state users of state parks was approved by the Illinois House tonight and moves to the Senate.
The measure also would charge users of off-highway recreational vehicles; charge an entrance fee to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield; allow fees to be placed on using a public beach, bike trail or equestrian trail; and increase registration fees for motorized watercraft.
Sponsoring Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said the measure would raise $15 million in its first year and $32 million in later years for the Department of Natural Resources, which has seen major funding cuts in recent years.
The bill passed on a 61-56 vote. It would bring the base license plate fee for cars to $100 a year, from the current $98.
Illinois - leading the way in taxing themselves out of existence.