Prairie State Wire

State Reps. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) and Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) are combining forces to fight a rumored gas tax increase.

“The worst kept secret in Springfield is a rumored massive gasoline and diesel tax hike,” Skillicorn said during a press conference. “Just when gas prices are finally lower, right before the holidays, greedy politicians, like the Grinches they are, seem all too willing to take more of our hard-earned money. Nothing like greedy politicians to ruin the holidays for middle class families.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed raising the current 37-cents-per-gallon tax by 30 cents per gallon, which would leave Illinois with the highest gas tax in the country at somewhere in the neighborhood of 71 cents, or more than 20 percent higher than runner-up state Pennsylvania.

Rep. Jeanne Ives

“Illinois is already taxed enough,” Skillicorn added. “Just a year ago, we hiked income taxes by 32 percent for individuals. We do not need more new taxes.”

Skillicorn said he also worries that towns and border communities located near Interstates would be disproportionately impacted by such a tax. 

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

Ives hinted there are other options, if only state lawmakers would be more responsible. 

"Illinois doesn't prioritize its spending,” she said. “Look at the $200 million spent on the Obama Center. That money should be used for infrastructure, not a political center for the former president."