SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Satellite TV representatives say the Illinois legislature shouldn’t revive an idea to add a 5 percent tax to customers’ bills to pay for public works projects.
The representatives said at a Monday news conference that they’re worried the proposal might get new life as lawmakers look for ways to pay for road construction.
They said the possible tax is unfair, particularly for rural residents who don’t have cable access.
The tax hasn’t come up this year in a proposal. The state Senate has approved it in the past, but it didn’t go further.
Cable TV providers pay a 5 percent franchise fee. Cable companies have said taxing satellite TV service would make the industry more equal.
But satellite providers say they don’t use public rights-of-way like cable companies do.