Illinois lawmakers might stop gas taxes from going up for two years to help drivers deal with higher prices and inflation, with State Representative Dan Caulkins supporting the idea to ease financial pressure on people.
Illinois Lawmakers Consider Freezing Gas Taxes Amid Concerns Over Rising Prices and Inflation
According to a published article by the Washington Examiner, Illinois lawmakers are discussing the high gas taxes in the state, with some suggesting to stop them from going up for two years. Right now, people in Illinois pay over 45 cents per gallon for gas, and it’s set to go up to 47 cents in July, making it harder for drivers. State Representative Dan Caulkins says freezing the tax is important to help people dealing with rising prices and inflation, especially those who rely on driving for work.
Caulkins’s proposal, House Bill 5852, aims to show it’s different from Governor J.B. Pritzker‘s plan to remove the grocery tax. He says freezing the gas tax won’t hurt projects like building roads and bridges, which use the tax money. Even though some worry it could cause problems in the future, Caulkins says there’s still $5 billion for these projects, so they won’t be affected.
READ ALSO: $7.7 Billion In Student Debt Cancellation: 160,500 Borrowers Benefit From Education Department’s Latest Relief Effort
45.4 Cents to 47 Cents: Illinois Lawmakers Propose Gas Tax Freeze to Ease Burden on Drivers (PHOTO: Denver Gazette)
Illinois Gas Taxes Surge Over Past Six Years, Prompting Debate on Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure Needs
Furthermore, in the last six years, gas taxes in Illinois went up a lot, from 19 cents to over 45 cents per gallon, making Illinois the second state with the highest gas taxes after California. This means drivers in Illinois are paying about $200 more each year in gas taxes compared to before Pritzker became governor. The debate about stopping further tax increases shows how important it is to balance money concerns with taking care of the state’s roads and bridges.
READ ALSO: $500 Million Funding Frenzy: Louisiana’s Gator Scholarship Program Seeks To Revolutionize Private School Tuition With Taxpayer Funds – Check It Now!
