Prairie State Wire

Illinois state lawmakers have a dubious history of subjecting residents to gas tax hikes, but the recent doubling of the state gas tax to 38 cents per gallon seems to have taken things to an entirely new level.

“So much for the tax relief Gov. [J.B.] Pritzker promised Illinois' middle class,” government watchdog website Wirepoints recently posted. “Residents will end up paying more in new gas taxes than they'll get in cuts from the governor's progressive tax plan.”

The new gas tax hike went into effect on July 1 and comes at a time when Illinois is already one of just seven U.S. states to impose a tax on motor fuel as well as a sales tax at the pump. Illinois residents pay in the neighborhood of 6.25-percent state sales tax on gas purchases, with the rates being even higher for some residents who pay additional city and county sales taxes.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Illinois sits near the top of the national rankings for highest combined taxes on gas. 

In all, lawmakers passed legislation paving the way for at least 21 tax or fee increases as part of the state’s new $45 billion spending plan, including higher levies on cigarettes, parking, vehicle licenses and registration fees. Expanded gambling and sports betting taxes are also slated to kick in.

Still, Wirepoints argues that the new gas tax stands out above the others.

“With this new hike, Gov. Pritzker and progressive tax proponents just broke their promise to give tax relief to Illinois' middle and lower class,” the article stated. “Remember that when the progressive tax amendment comes on the ballot next year.”