Illinois quick hits: Urbana to increase gas tax; university service workers could end strike

Urbana to increase gas tax

Illinois has the second highest gas taxes in the country, and now a central Illinois community will be adding to the total.

The Urbana City Council has passed a fuel tax increase that will begin in January 2025. In the first year, residents will see an increase of 7.5 cents per gallon, and by the third year, the tax per gallon will increase to 12.5 cents. City officials said the increase will go toward road maintenance.

University service workers could end strike

Food and building service workers at the University of Illinois have reached a tentative agreement with the school on a new contract.

If union members vote to ratify the contract, the strike that has lasted a week would come to an end. Union negotiators are recommending ratification, and if workers agree to the contract, they would return to work Wednesday.

October is Manufacturing month

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center are marking Manufacturing Month this month.

The groups will host the third annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour that will visit manufacturing facilities and educational institutions around the state to highlight the industry’s impact on the state’s economy. The tour will begin in Springfield Friday.