SPRINGFIELD- Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) moved to ensure that the recent changes to Illinois tax structure under its construction funding program that are hitting customers with multiple taxes are repealed with new legislation on Wednesday.

The current tax structure enacted to fund Illinois’ first construction program in a decade removed a previous tax exemption and put in place a tax on any vehicle trade-in above $10,000, meaning consumers pay a tax when purchasing a vehicle and again when trading in the same vehicle.

“This effort ensures that the cost of purchasing a vehicle in Illinois doesn’t skyrocket and protects consumers from the possibility of paying taxes on their vehicle twice,” Munoz said.

To ensure a more fair way to collect revenue that won’t hit car buyers twice, Senate Bill 2481 increases the private vehicle sales tax by $75 for vehicles valued under $15,000 and $100 for vehicles valued at or above $15,000, the first increase to the tax since 1988. The tax rate on private party transactions would still be lower than the State's 6.25% tax rate that is currently paid by dealership customers.

The legislation was approved in the Senate Revenue Committee and will move on to the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) reacted to Gov. JB Pritzker’s Budget Address Wednesday with the following statement:

“I’m looking forward to building on last year’s budget, which pivoted our state in the right direction. Governor Pritzker mentioned a number of possible investments in areas that are important to the communities I represent, like education from birth to college, the Community Care Program and public safety.”

“Prioritizing significant programs is a good start to our budget conversation, and I will be fighting for their funding in our final budget.”

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address on Wednesday with the following statement:

“Last session was a much needed shift from a tough four years. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum to continue working on issues that are important to my district.”

“Investing in early childhood education and increasing diversity in state contracts would help bring opportunities to communities across the state. It’s also important that we implement ethics reforms that restore the public’s trust in their elected officials and set clear rules for those who lobby government.”

Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is hosting a Valentine's Day Health Day at Dvorak Park at 1119 W. Cullerton St.  on February 15 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.