Gas Station Owners Oppose Illinois Gas Tax Increase

Advocates for service station owners and taxpayers are calling on Illinois lawmakers to oppose any potential fuel tax hike to pay for road projects.

Executive Vice President Bill Fleischli of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and the Illinois Association of Convenience Stores said Thursday there's "no guarantee" that declining gas prices will stay low.

Transportation supporters in recent weeks have said the state should raise the fuel tax that consumers pay at the pump to fix aging roads and bridges. No legislation has been proposed yet.

Opponents of an increase say the state funds raided in the recent budget deal between Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders should be used for road projects. They say the state also could consider other revenue sources.