St. Louis (KMOX News) -- The Illinois House has approved a measure that would allow voters in St. Clair, Madison and Monroe counties to pass a quarter-cent sales tax to improve Mississippi River levees. St. Clair County board chairman Mark Kern says the tax is the
only way that provides a means to fix the levees. The bill, sponsored by Democrat state Senator Bill Haine of Alton, would allow the counties each to form a flood-prevention district. The districts could impose a quarter-cent, countywide sales tax to pay for the improvements, which will cost an estimated $136 million to $180 million. The measure now goes to Governor Rod Blagojevich for his signature. The governor has not indicated his stand on it.
