Illinois has the third-highest gas tax in the country. | Unsplash/sippakorn yamkasikorn
Illinois has the third-highest gas tax in the country. | Unsplash/sippakorn yamkasikorn
Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, who promises to work on lower taxes if elected, blames the federal government and Gov. J.B. Pritzker for the record-setting gas prices on Memorial Day.
"Gas prices in Illinois hit a record high on Memorial Day," Bailey said. "Nationally, gas prices are high due to the inept policies of the Biden administration such as canceling offshore drilling permits and shutting down the Keystone XL pipeline. Instead of being energy independent, the United States has become dependent on foreign governments for our oil supply. But the gas price situation in Illinois is being made worse by taxes. In 2019, (Gov.) J.B. Pritzker pushed through legislation to double the sales tax on motor fuel. Now, Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes in the country and working families are paying the price with record-setting gas prices. As governor, I will combat inflation by reducing state spending, lowering taxes and prioritizing the needs of working families."
On Monday (May 30), the average price of a gallon of gasoline increased to $4.62, $1.58 higher than last Memorial Day, according to The Center Square.
"Brought to you by Pritzker’s extreme liberal policies, the Democrats and the weak-kneed Republicans who joined them to tax you and your family," Bailey said, according to his campaign Facebook page. "Friends, it’s time we take back our state from the establishment in both parties who have abandoned us. It’s time to repeal the tax increase and provide real tax relief for working families and taxpayers. With your help, we will reform Springfield and restore Illinois!!!"
GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan perceived that the increase is relative to the "summer driving season" and has estimated "odds of reaching a national of $5/gal this summer: 65%."
"According to GasBuddy data, here's how the Memorial Day weekend saw gasoline demand vs the same day prior week: Wednesday: +2.3%; Thursday: +4.3%; Friday: +2.0%; Saturday: +3.0%; Sunday: -7.4%; Monday: +0.5%; Tueday: +10.2%," De Haan posted on Twitter.
As part of Pritzker's budget, gas stations are compelled to post signs claiming that the gas tax has been postponed, which many see as an election-year ruse.
"As of July 1, the State of Illinois has suspended the inflation adjustment to the motor fuel tax through Dec. 31. The price on this pump should reflect the suspension of the tax increase," the mandatory signage must read.
Non-compliance to the mandate would mean an additional $500 expense for these businesses as a fine for each day of non-compliance. The wording was included in House Bill 1497, which was passed along with the state budget this year, according to Illinois Policy. At present, Illinois has the third-highest gas tax in the country.
Alerts Sign-up