Press Release: Foster Introduces Legislation to Fix Unfair Federal Highway Funding Formula

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced H.R. 6178, the Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act. The bill would alter the formula used to determine federal highway funding distribution to ensure that each state receives its fair share.

Under the current formula, many states receive more federal funding for surface transportation through the Highway Trust Fund than they contribute through the gas tax. This problem is only compounded by the fact that states like Illinois pay more in taxes, but do not get credit when funds collected through income taxes are transferred into the Highway Trust Fund. As a result, some states receive more than five times more per person in funding than Illinois, which receives millions of dollars less than its fair share

The Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act would change the formula and ensure states like Illinois receive the proper credit for their contribution to the Highway Trust Fund.

"The Fair Allocation of Highway Funds Act will make sure that the distribution of highway funds is fair. The current formula is an egregious way to allocate money that states like Illinois could use to repair and maintain our infrastructure." Foster said. "Illinois pays far more than the federal average. This bill will make sure Illinois receives its fair share based on what it pays, so we can invest in our roads and bridges."

"Hardworking men and women across Illinois deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used to improve their community," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "By making adjustments to ensure that Illinois receives its fair share from the Highway Trust Fund, we'll spur new economic development opportunities and create good jobs rebuilding roads and bridges across our state."

In April, Congressman Foster sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Foxx calling for the awarding of more transportation grants to states not receiving their fair share of federal transportation dollars. Last November, the House passed an amendment introduced by Foster that would require a clearer accounting of the distribution and sources of transportation funding.

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