Staff Reports
In Illinois, some lawmakers are working to stop the gasoline tax from increasing for two years. This tax is one of the highest in the country, at just over 45 cents per gallon.
Representative Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, is leading this effort. He believes that people need relief from the increasing gas tax, especially for those who have to drive to work. He stresses that inflation is making it difficult for everyone to manage their budgets.
Proposal would freeze Illinois' gas tax increase for two years https://t.co/Zz8Tt1c7MX via @thecentersquare
— Bishop On Air (@BishopOnAir) May 22, 2024
Caulkins’ proposal, House Bill 5852, seeks to freeze the gas tax without taking away money from important road and bridge projects in the state. He reassures that the current $5 billion funding for these projects will not be affected.
It’s important to note that Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to eliminate the grocery tax differs from Caulkins’ proposal. Pritzker’s plan is facing opposition from those who believe that the tax money is necessary for funding local governments.
The gas tax in Illinois has been increasing annually since 2019, when it was doubled by Pritzker and the General Assembly. This increase is tied to inflation and has led Illinoisans to now pay the second highest gas taxes in the nation, just behind California.
The Illinois Policy Institute reported that the average driver in Illinois is now paying nearly $200 more a year in gasoline taxes compared to before Pritzker took office. This steep increase in gas taxes is a significant burden on Illinois residents and businesses, making it even harder for everyone to make ends meet.
