SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A decade ago, Illinois state troopers were driving squad cars long past obsolescence — 200 of them had more than 150,000 miles. Some broke down when responding to emergencies.

An Associated Press analysis of data obtained under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act shows the State Police since 2009 has purchased 2,100 new pursuit vehicles without a penny of tax money.

Gov. Bruce Rauner imposed a ban on new vehicle purchases in January. His administration says the money dedicated for squad cars is not being spent.

The 2008 law imposed a $1 fee on vehicle registrations to buy squads. Former state Rep. Jim Sacia of Pecatonica sponsored the measure and says it has been a successful way of keeping safe cars on the road without spending general tax dollars.

 

 

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.