2004 Year in Review

Blagojevich proposes new fees

Illinois residents must not be fooled by Governor Rod Blagojevich’s claims that increasing 200 government fees – to bankroll new state spending – will not cost the average citizen more money.

Announced on April 1 – April Fool’s Day – Blagojevich’s plan would hike fees $57 million to prop up a Fiscal Year 2005 state budget proposal that has $700 million in new spending.

Most of the fee increases affect professions that are licensed by the state. Architects’ fees would increase from $100 to $250; chiropractors’ fees would double to $600; veterinarians’ fees would double to $200; and cosmetology schools’ fees would skyrocket from $200 to $1,000.

The increases also include $15 million in fees related to vehicle registration. A replacement registration sticker for a license plate would increase from $5 to $20. A new fee of $20 would be assessed for missing a vehicle registration deadline.

The price of a state identification card would increase from $4 to $20, generating an additional $5 million.

Legislators will resume discussions on the budget – including the proposed fee increases – when they return to Springfield April 20.

The list of the 200 fee increases Blagojevich is proposing for this year is available on-line at www.senategop.state.il.us .

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 12, 2004