
By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – A panel of senators Friday took time to hear about some of the governor’s money-saving proposals. One idea, says budget director Alexis Sturm, is an early end to one benefit.
“The state sales tax, there is an exemption provided for blends that are over ten percent blends for biodiesel,” Sturm said. “The proposal here is just to accelerate the timing for” the expiration of the exemption.
But Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) says biodiesel needs more promotion, not less.
Illinois is the third largest consumer of biodiesel in the United States of America,” he said. “Biodiesel puts countless men and women to work every day in this state. There are five biodiesel plants that are major employers in communities throughout this state.”
The new fiscal year starts July 1.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].