Pappas Measure to Increase Economic Development in DuPage County Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, passed a bill out of the House on Wednesday that would give local governments in DuPage County the ability to invest in economic development projects with current revenues from the hotel tax.

“Protecting hard-earned, taxpayer dollars is one of my top priorities, which is why I introduced legislation to give local non-home rule governments more control over how they can use their revenues,” said Pappas. “Under this measure, local officials can invest in economic development projects without having to raise taxes. We need to control government spending at all levels while investing in essential services, and this is a small but important step to do so.”

Pappas is the Chief House sponsor of House Bill 3198, which allows non-home rule municipalities in DuPage County to use up to 25 percent of the revenue raised from the hotel tax on economic development. Currently, non-home rule municipalities are required to use all of the revenue generated from the hotel tax on tourism, but Pappas wants to increase resources for job-creating projects while also investing in tourism.

“This legislation will provide DuPage County the necessary resources to improve its infrastructure while encouraging visitors to visit our communities,” said Pappas. “I appreciate the bipartisan support that I received on this measure, and I am committed to working with local officials and all of my colleagues to introduce other measures that ensure that taxpayer dollars are responsibly spent.”