Motorist fueling up in Illinois will see the gas tax rise to 48.3 cents per gallon, that’s up 1.3 cents from last year.
Supporters say the annually increased tax is needed for infrastructure, but critics argue it burdens consumers, drives businesses out of the state, and hasn’t improved roads. Illinois Policy’s Dylan Sharkey says the state collects $6 billion a year for transportation, yet roads show little improvement.
Nate Harris, CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, says the average consumer doesn’t realize how much of their fuel cost is taxes and fees. With state, county, local environmental, and other charges, Illinois ranks just behind California in overall cost to consumer. Sharkey said a natural way to boost road funding would be to attract more drivers to Illinois.
Fuel retailers warn that high gas prices are driving Illinoisans across state lines to fill up and shop, costing the state sales tax revenue.
Story from the Illinois Radio Network
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