SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WICS) — Illinois residents can expect to see their phone bills rise…
The telecommunications excise tax rate is rising.
NewsChannel 20 is breaking down where the money will be going.
The Illinois Department of Human Services manages the 988 crisis and suicide hotline…
And they said the new increase will fund contact centers and mobile crisis response teams.
Data from IDHS shows 988 averages about 12-16 thousand calls every six months.
IDHS said 988 and mobile crisis responses ensure there is a number to call, a team to send, and a place to go…
IDHS released a statement stating in part…
“The cost of this system is increasing, as demand for and usage of 9-8-8 and crisis facilities increases…making crisis services available at the beginning of a crisis not only reduces the severity of the crisis…it also reduces the volume of resources needed, ultimately reducing the cost to taxpayers.”
Human services said improving 988 and crisis responses ease the burden off law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel…
One spokesperson told NewsChannel 20 the surcharge will be expected to generate about 400 million dollars’ worth of funding for 9-8-8.
Officials say the tax will replace expiring pandemic funds…
Taxes are rising by 1.65%, which is charged based on the gross amount paid to a retailer like AT&T.
For messages that begin or end in Illinois, and belong to an Illinois address—residents can expect about a 40-cent increase on their phone bills.
