McHenry Times

Senator Don Dewitte joins the chorus of Illinois Republicans wanting to lower gas prices — AAA reported Wednesday the average price at the pump is $4.50 in Illinois.

“Illinoisans are already reeling from a 40-year high rate of inflation,” DeWitte said. “While we cannot control many aspects of the price of gasoline, we do have the authority to enact policies that bring that cost down considerably. Illinoisans need this type of relief and they needed right now.”

Josh Sharp, CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, suggested that capping the gas tax would benefit the state's economy. 

“Capping Illinois’ sky-high taxes on gasoline would be welcome relief for Illinois motorists and fuel retailers as inflation and geopolitical forces continue to wreak havoc on the economy,” Josh Sharp, CEO of Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, said on Sen. Craig Wilcox’s website.

Fox32 Chicago reported Illinois gas prices are the highest they have been since 2008.

“I’m sure our colleagues across the aisle and their constituents are just as unhappy about gas prices and how fast they are rising,” DeWitte said. “We can and we must work together to provide this relief to our residents. It’s important to note that our legislation would not have a negative effect on the state budget, since the budget revenue is based on a cost of gas of $2.87 per gallon, that's the rate that was established by the Department of Revenue a year ago.”

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's Petroleum and Other Liquids webpage noted that the approximate retail price of gas is $3.52 per gallon. The EIA reported motorists are paying approximately 14% in taxes at the pump.

“Illinois families are paying higher prices everywhere,” Rep. Amy Elik said. “They are even paying the second-highest property taxes in the nation. Illinoisans are paying more and more while the state government continues to tax everything politicians can get their hands on.”

Wilcox co-sponsored Senate Bill 4195, which would cap the state’s sales tax on motor fuel.

Fox32 Chicago reported prices are up more than $1.30 since one year ago.

“People are struggling with rising costs and it's time the legislature step in and help,” Sen. Darren Bailey wrote on Facebook.