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Spending plan could mean fee for state parks
By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net
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SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s proposed budget could target everyone from people who use state parks to big business.

Although the final touches are still being made to the governor’s latest spending proposal, officials acknowledge they’ve considered imposing entrance fees at state parks as a way to balance the budget in tough financial times.

Details of what those fees might be were not available Monday and it’s unclear whether they would affect users of all of the state’s more than 100 state parks, forests and natural areas, most of which are located in downstate Illinois.

Business groups also are prepared to fight the governor again. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, for example, is concerned Blagojevich will call for a new tax on carbon dioxide emissions from factories and power plants, which could cost companies millions of dollars.

The administration cautions it is not certain the new park fees or the so-called “carbon tax” will find their way into the governor’s final draft.

“I cannot talk about the budget proposal,” Blagojevich spokeswoman Kelley Quinn said Monday.

Blagojevich will outline his budget plan at noon Wednesday against the backdrop of a national economic downturn.

For a chief executive who has backed high-profile programs such as a universal health care proposal, he faces a tough road with lawmakers who fought bitterly with him last year in an extended overtime session. It was only after months of wrangling that he broke his long-held campaign promise to not raise taxes in order bail out Chicago-area mass transit systems.

If Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, continue feuding with House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, it’s a recipe for more gridlock, said state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

“Without those three agreeing early on, it’s going to be the same play of what we did last year,” Bost said. “That’s sad because it affects everybody that’s affected by the budget.”

With less than five months left in the current fiscal year, the state is millions of dollars behind in paying what it owes to health care providers. Investment income also is expected to drop in the coming years.

“Given the challenging economic times we face, we need a message of restraint,” said state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion. “By reining in state spending, we can actually help the economy.”

“We’ve got to get some revenue,” agreed State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg. “I’m not for any more spending. No one wants to pay more taxes. And I never thought I’d say this, but I’d be more apt to vote on a gaming bill than for a tax on people with fixed income. I’m willing to make it because of the dire straights we’re in.”

If the governor proposes a park entrance fee, Illinois could join dozens of other states that charge citizens to use public lands for camping, fishing and picnicking.

Indiana residents pay a $4 daily fee, or can purchase a $36 sticker for year-round use at its state parks. North Dakota residents can pay a $5 daily fee or an annual fee of $25. Delaware and Florida have similar rates. Out-of-state users generally are charged more.

Kenneth Lowe and Kartikay Mehrotra contributed to this report

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Reader comments on this story - 7 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

BILLY BOB wrote on Feb 19, 2008 11:43 AM:

" The DNR makes enough money off of camp ground fees to pay the overhead expenses for all of our state parks. Don't buy into a daily fee as anything but an attempt to get more funding for Chicago. Clinton camp ground with 303 camp sites brings in over $15,000.00 dollars in revenue over a holiday weekend. Most weekends reciepts are near $10,000.00. Over the usual 6 month camping season (even though its open year around) the yearly income exceeds one million dollars. This is only the camp ground fees. They also collect fees from the vendors and marina. Hundreds of visitors from out of state spending thousands of dollars in Illinois visit and use these state facilities. Why would I go to the state camp ground when I can go to a private camp ground for the same price and save the extra fee. A daily or yearly fee usage fee will drive the actual revenue down. Its a deal breaker for many long time visitors. "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Feb 19, 2008 11:20 AM:

" This is just one more example of Blagojevich not doing a good job. Go ahead and charge a fee to get in a State Park instead of charging Chicago area commuters their fair share. (RTA Bailout). Oh but a few seniors will get free rides as what is left of the State Park system dies a slow death. "

Foresight wrote on Feb 19, 2008 10:36 AM:

" They took all the trees, and put 'em in a tree museum.
Then they charged the people a dollar and a half to see 'em. "

Corporate Avenger wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Now we have to pay for what God provided free to us? "

Jeff Ready wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:55 AM:

" This is just sad. Moraine View State park's numbers have already declined in the past years, let's just kill it off. Anyone else remember when they tried to charge people to swim at their "beach?" It cost them more money having someone out there than it gained, so instead of letting people swim for free, they closed the beach. GLAD to see Illinois politicians hard at work, coming up with more ways to shoot ourselves in the foot. First they lose us tax revenue from smoking bans, now they want to force our state parks closed, through sheer idiocy. "

What? wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:52 AM:

" They think people don't come to the parks now...This is sad... "

the problem wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:08 AM:

" The problem I see with charging fees is that you have to pay someone and it will cost to set up a station to monitor the people going in and out. What if you only have a few people visiting that park? You will be paying the ticket taker more than you will be making. It is just like at toll booths. Do you realize how many cars an hour have to go through the booth just to pay the salary of the person taking the tickets. Especially if it is a union job. "
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