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MACOMB, IL – The senior U.S. Senator from Illinois said raising the gas tax to help pay for badly-needed highway construction is not a good idea during a weak economy.
Dick Durbin said it's tempting to raise the gas tax. He said, "It turns out that as the price of gasoline reaches certain levels consumers just 'shut-off.' They don't go to the local malls or local stores. So I don't think this is the right time to be considering a gas tax (hike)."
The Democrat said raising the gas tax in the current economic climate would be a serious blow to consumers.
Durbin said the Federal Highway Trust Fund needs more money. He said the federal government takes money from general revenue to help pay for highway construction. He said 40% of the money from the general fund is loaned to the U.S. by foreign countries including China.