Skillicorn and Ives Draw Attention to Potential Gas Tax Hike

A press release from State Rep. Allen Skillicorn:

Representatives Skillicorn and Ives Joined by Concerned Citizens for Capitol Rally to Oppose Gas Tax Hike

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Representatives Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) and Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) were joined by concerned citizens and activists donning yellow jackets to speak out against the idea of Illinois becoming the state with the largest tax on motor fuel at a rally at the Illinois State Capitol.

“The worst kept secret in Springfield is a rumored massive gasoline and diesel tax hike,” said Skillicorn.

“Just when gas prices are finally falling, and little more than a year after income taxes were hiked 32 percent, greedy politicians seem all too willing to take more of our hard-earned money.

“It’s just plain wrong.”

The motor fuel tax in Illinois is currently more than 37 cents per gallon plus an additional 6 and a quarter to 10 and a quarter percent sales tax on top of the motor fuel tax (sales tax rates vary depending on location).

Raising the gas tax by 30 cents per gallon, which Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed, would mean Illinois would have the highest gas tax in the nation at more than 71 cents per gallon – about 22% higher than the next highest state of Pennsylvania.

“Illinois is already taxed enough,” said Skillicorn.

“Many border communities and towns located adjacent to interstates will be unfairly penalized by this hike.

“For example, the village President of Hampshire, IL, Jeff Magnussen, warns this hike will drive down crucial sales for his village and hurt his community.

“Rest assured this punitive tax would not only damage border communities, but it would hurt families across the state.”

Long-term, Skillicorn said the prudent course would be to work with our congressional delegation.

“There seems to be strong support for a major infrastructure funding bill at the federal level,” said Skillicorn.

“We need to wait and see what is happening with transportation funding at the federal level and how Illinois will benefit from it. Let’s think strategically here for a change.

“Rushing in to approve a massive gas tax hike just because fuel prices are low is reprehensible. We need to be strategic about funding roads, not predatory.”

Before the rally in the Capitol Rotunda, Rep. Skillicorn addressed the media, video of the press conference can be found here: https://livestream.com/blueroomstream/events/8512918/videos/185513617.


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