Carbondale Reporter

Representative Patrick Windhorst and other Illinois Republicans turn their focus to their state’s gas tax.

“I represent a district that borders Kentucky Indiana and Missouri the bridge from my hometown of metropolis crosses the Ohio River into Paducah, Kentucky on Friday last week gasoline was $0.72 cheaper in Missouri and $0.51 cheaper in Kentucky than in Illinois,” he said. “On average yesterday at Sam's Club in Paducah, motorists could buy a gallon of gas for $3.78. At Murphy express it was $3.85 at Murphy USA it was $3.87, and at the Paducah BP, it was $3.88.”

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported motorists are paying 15% in taxes at the pump.

“It’s easy to point out the problems,” Windhorst said. “I’m a father and a husband, and I’ve heard from other working families that are struggling just to make ends meet. The question is, what are we prepared to do about it?

“My colleagues and I have sponsored legislation to freeze, suspend, or outright reduce property taxes, various sales taxes, income tax, and these fuel taxes over the course of this General Assembly. None of our proposals have been brought forward by Democrats for even a subject matter hearing. The lack of action by the Democrats on the issue of inflation and high gas prices is inexcusable, and is why I’m standing here with my colleagues today.”

The EIA also reported the average retail price of gas is $3.52 per gallon

Legislators haven't been looking just at vehicle gas this year. WIFR reported legislators have been mulling the rising costs of natural gas.

Representative Maurice West is one of those legislators looking at the natural gas surcharge, concerned about the effect those bills are having on Black and brown residents who may be disproportionately affected. 

“Black and brown communities have these surcharges that they have to choose either pay their heating bill to stay warm and go hungry or fill their bellies and be cold,” Rep. Maurice West II (D - Rockford) said, according to CBS WIFR.

There has been legislative action to address to cap Illinois’ gas tax.

The Peoria Journal-Star reported that Sens. Dave Syverson, Don DeWitte and Dan McConchie introduced Senate Bill 4195 on March 11, which would lower the amount charged per gallon of gas to $0.18 per gallon for motor fuel, and 80% of that amount for gasohol and biodiesel blends.