Pappas Measure Investing in Local Infrastructure Without Raising Taxes Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, will help DuPage County communities invest more in roads and other job-creating projects without raising property taxes.

“Investing in high-quality roads and transportation is critical to the economic success of our communities, and a smart strategy to sustained growth and development must put middle-class taxpayers first,” Pappas said. “This new law does just that by investing in better roads using tourism funds, rather than adding to the burden of local property taxpayers.”

Working alongside various DuPage County mayors and the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pappas helped pass Senate Bill 1217, which allows DuPage communities to use funds earmarked for tourism to pay for local infrastructure projects. Currently, communities must use all funds collected from taxes on hotel room rentals to promote tourism. Pappas’ measure allows up to 25% of these dollars already being collected from visitors to fund local infrastructure improvements, including work on roads, bridges and utility networks. The measure received bipartisan support and was recently signed into law.

Mayor Jeff Pruyn of Itasca voiced his support for the legislation.

“Since day one, Representative Diane Pappas has sought to understand the needs of the people of Itasca,” Pruyn said. “Her support of this law allows Itasca to redirect dollars toward key infrastructure and economic development projects to ensure local residents’ needs are met.”