By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Today, Illinois shoppers will start paying more for toiletries, candy, soft drinks and liquor. Lawmakers increased the state's sales tax to pay for a statewide construction program.
Most candy had carried a 1 percent sales tax, but it now will be taxed at 6.25 percent. And it'll be the same for shampoos and toothpaste. Bottled drinks with added sweetener or flavoring, such as iced tea, will be taxed like soda.
Taxes on alcoholic beverages are also higher, but beer, wine and spirits are taxed at
different rates.
State officials hope to raise about $150 million a year toward a $30 billion roads-and-schools building plan.