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“As gas prices skyrocket, we have the potential to see the
average price across the entire state exceed five dollars per
gallon,” said Senator Sally Turner. “This legislation will
ensure that Illinoisans aren’t unnecessarily harmed by global
events beyond their control by capping our state’s sales tax on
motor fuel at the same level they were paying before prices
dramatically increased.”
Senate Bill 4195 could help Illinois consumers save nearly $1
billion over the next fiscal year, or 16 cents per gallon,
assuming gas prices are at $5.50 per gallon. Additionally, the
measure would continue to provide adequate funding for Illinois’
infrastructure projects.
“This plan will ensure that critically-needed projects are still properly funded
while also providing relief for the people of our state who are currently
experiencing generational high inflation,” continued Senator Sally Turner.
“Illinois lawmakers must act quickly to pass this legislation, so our
constituents can have some level of reprieve before the situation gets too out
of hand.”
While both the state and federal motor fuel taxes are a flat tax rate, which
means the tax does not change with price of fuel, Illinois is one of only seven
states that also charges a sales tax at 6.25 percent on top of the motor fuel
tax. As gas prices continue to rise, so does the amount consumers pay in sales
tax.
The legislation was filed on March 10th and has already received over a dozen
cosponsors.
[Marcus J. Durrett
Illinois Senate Republican Staff
Communications and Public Affairs]
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