NEWS RELEASE 2.2.06
Contact: Jay Kenworthy (317) 232-9498
jkenwort@iga.state.in.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(STATEHOUSE) — A bill that will reimburse users of the Indiana Toll Road for tolls paid by using a tax credit passed the Indiana Senate today. Senate Bill 17, authored by Senator Joe Zakas (R-Granger) passed the Senate 45-5.
“In 1956, the promise was to remove tolls when the construction bonds were paid off,” Senator Joe Zakas (R-Granger), the bill's author, said. “However, Indiana residents have bitten the bullet and paid tolls for 50 years. This bill is a way to give some help to those Hoosiers who pay tolls by giving them a reimbursement for that payment.”
Senate Bill 17 will allow those who file an Indiana individual income tax return to get a tax credit of up to $300 off their state income taxes to compensate for some of the amounts spent on the Indiana Toll Road . Hoosiers will get a credit for half of what they spend in tolls up to the $300 limit. Yesterday, the Senate amended the bill to clarify that the credit applies only to tolls paid during non-business use.
Senators John Broden, Robert Meeks, Marvin Riegsecker, Vic Heinold, Earlene Rogers, Sue Landske, Frank Mrvan, Karen Tallian, Ryan Mishler, and Sam Smith were co-authors on the bill.
“My co-authors from northern Indiana and I often hear the question from constituents, ‘Why do we have to pay tolls and others don't?'” Zakas said when presenting the bill on the Senate floor. “Although this bill doesn't get rid of the tolls, it does give some relief with this tax credit.”
The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Representatives Jackie Walorski and Ralph Ayers will serve as the bill's sponsors in the House.
Zakas represents portions of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties
-30-
Jay Kenworthy
Deputy Communications Director
Senate Majority Caucus
(317) 232-9498