SE Illinois News

Rising taxes have become such a way of life in Illinois that Darren Bailey said he could have almost predicted the latest gas tax increase.

“Taxpayers in Illinois pay the highest combination of state and local taxes in the country,” Bailey, who recently launched his 2018 campaign against Rep. Dave Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District primary, told the SE Illinois News. “High gas prices are another example of the impact high taxes have on our daily life.”

As part of the new state budget, Illinois gas prices will soon rise by as much as 5 cents per gallon across the state. This will happen when the 20 percent sales tax credit that was granted to wholesalers for unleaded gas mixed with ethanol expires. Chicago gas prices are already 44 cents higher than the national average.

Darren Bailey

WSIL has reported that for a vehicle with a 20-gallon tank, a fill-up will cost at least 40 cents more. 

Overall, the new tax is expected to generate approximately $95 million for the state, though none of that money is earmarked for much-needed repairs to crumbling roads across the state. With the tax officially being considered a sales tax, the money will instead be deposited into the state's general fund.

“State spending is out of control, and there seems to be no accountability as legislators continue to raise taxes on almost anything,” Bailey said.

Bailey said complicating matters all the more for residents and business owners in his district is the fact that it borders Indiana.

“In those bordering communities, Illinois residents frequently cross state lines to get their gas and possibly shop for other items, and who can blame them,” he said. “We need to get spending under control and look at ways to reduce the tax burden in Illinois.”

As for the gas tax itself, Bailey said it’s just another example of how taxpayers are again being taken for granted by Springfield lawmakers.

“There is little doubt that taxpayers were once again hoodwinked,” he said. “We are all paying the price for the out-of-control spending in Springfield.

Bailey estimates that the recently enacted $36.1 billion state budget is already causing taxpayers up to $20 more a week from each paycheck. Now they will be forced to shell out roughly $1 more each time they fill up their gas tank.

“It is another reason for people to consider leaving Illinois,” he said. “High income and property taxes are already reason enough for people. Now we won’t even get their gas money before they hit road.”

The 109th District includes Wayne, Edwards and Wabash counties.