By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – The fee that supports 911 systems across the state is going up under a law that lawmakers approved against Gov. Bruce Rauner’s wishes.
The law also keeps the 911 services operational statewide.
Outside of Chicago, phone users are going to pay $1.50 a month for 911 service. Chicago’s 911 fee will jump to $5 to pay for pensions, not 911 service.
State Rep. Peter Breen said it’s not that lawmakers wanted to end 911 services, he said they just wanted to settle on fair fees. But, Breen said, as is all too often the case in Illinois, the fee will cost people more than they need to pay.
“There was a commission that said we needed about $1.05, as a fee per month, in order to provide 911 service. Instead, we’re imposing a $1.50 fee,” he said. “Fifty percent more than we said we needed. There’s no good reason for it. It was a hijack at the last minute. It was Mike Madigan holding the 911 system of the state hostage so he could kick more money into the city of Chicago. … What you’re seeing is, yet again, Mike Madigan holding a critical state program hostage to his agenda of getting Chicago more cash and taking more money out of your pocket.”
Chicago’s 911 fee will increase from $3.90 a month to $5.
Downstate 911 fees will jump from 87 cents a month to a $1.50.
