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The
estimated two-cent a gallon tax increase is being delayed from
July 1 to Jan. 1. Part of the revenue package of the state
budget that begins July 1 is for stickers to be put on every
pump. If not, fuel retailers face a $500 a day fine.
IFRA President and CEO Josh Sharp said this is compelled
political speech.
“We just felt like we couldn’t leave our members in that
position and unfortunately we had to do exactly what we said we
would do when this legislation was filed which was litigate this
matter in the courts,” Sharp told The Center Square.
IFRA is looking for a temporary restraining order as the law
starts soon.
“At the end of the day, we hope to get the law permanently
struck down but in the meantime we’re looking for hopefully a
temporary restraining order against the state from enforcing
this law when it goes into effect July 1,” Sharp said.
Part of the lawsuit includes debate transcripts from state
lawmakers.
“The intentions were clear, they didn’t try to hide it, that
this was about letting voters know that the state of Illinois
tried to, I think one legislator [said] ‘to do something good,’
well that’s not a valid reason for compelling someone to speak,”
Sharp said. “There’s no valid compelling reason for the state of
Illinois charging anyone $500 a day because they’re not going to
put this sticker on the pump.”
Both listed defendants in the case, the Illinois Department of
Revenue and the Sangamon County state’s attorney, who represents
all state’s attorneys, said they could not comment on pending
litigation.
The tax package as part of the budget also includes a reduction
from 1% to zero percent for the state’s grocery tax. The measure
requires grocery stores to post either a sign or print on their
receipts the reduced tax, but there’s no penalty as there is
with the gas pump sticker requirement.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and other
issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of award-winning
broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning Newsfeed out of
Springfield.
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