Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) spoke out about a possible gas tax increase that he said would make Illinois have the highest gas tax in the nation at a press conference Tuesday, joining Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton). Both donned yellow vests during the conference.
"There is a horrible rumor going around Springfield," Skillicorn said. "There's talk of a 25- to 30-cent gas tax increase. This is a massive tax hike."
Skillicorn said Illinois already is taxed enough.
"Illinois would have the highest in the nation by 22 percent over the next highest, which is Pennsylvania," Skillicorn said. "Illinois is already taxed enough."
Skillicorn said rushing into a massive tax hike is a mistake.
"Fuel taxes are already very low," Skillicorn said. "The last thing we need is the Grinches of Springfield to take away savings from our consumers. This is a great time for Republicans to unite against hiking sales taxes."
Skillicorn said the rumored massive tax hike is the "worst kept secret in Springfield."
Skillicorn said that currently Illinois's gas tax is about 37 cents per gallon, with an additional 6.25 to 10.25 sales tax on top of that, depending on location.
"Just a year ago we hiked income taxes by 32 percent for individuals," Skillicorn said. "We do not need more new taxes."
Skillicorn said border communities and towns would be harmed by the tax. He also said the tax would harm individuals and families across the state.
"This is the last thing we need," he said.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed raising the gas tax by 30 cents per gallon, according to a press release issued by Skillicorn after the event.
Jim Tobin, president of Taxpayers United of America, also attended the press conference in protest of the gas tax.
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