House Republicans in Illinois announced on April 17 proposals to address affordability issues for residents, including a six-month suspension of the sales tax on gasoline and new legislation aimed at improving teen driver safety.
The proposed measures are intended to provide financial relief for families amid rising costs and concerns about public safety. Legislators say these steps target specific areas where the state has direct control, such as taxes and fees that impact everyday life.
Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain and State Representative Regan Deering held a press conference to discuss the state’s high gas tax, which is currently the second highest in the nation at 48.3 cents per gallon. Deering said that rural communities face extra pressure due to longer travel distances and limited transportation options. “Everyday people need relief. Relief from crushing taxes and the high cost of living, but under Gov. Pritzker’s regime, Illinoisans continued to be squeezed,” Deering said.
Spain filed House Bill 5738, which would create a temporary sales tax holiday on gasoline from July 1 through December 31, 2026. Spain said this measure is necessary for both consumers and the state’s economy: “After JB Pritzker and Democrats raided Downstate road funds for transit, Downstate taxpayers deserve relief.” He added that downstate regions have seen long-term disinvestment in infrastructure while funds were redirected toward mass transit systems in Chicago.
In addition to economic proposals, Spain passed House Bill 4382—known as “DJ’s Law”—which aims to improve teen driver safety following the death of Whiteside County student DJ Dorathy in a car crash last March. The bill calls for a six-month suspension of driving privileges for young drivers convicted of violating passenger restrictions if involved in an accident causing disability or death. “We have to do everything we can to work with our young people to let them know we care about their safety and want to protect their lives,” Spain said during remarks before the Illinois House of Representatives.
Spain was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 73rd District in 2017 after replacing David R. Leitch according to Wikipedia.
House Bill 4382 now moves on to consideration by the Illinois State Senate before potentially being sent to the governor.
