Some Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise

Some Illinois municipal leaders are pushing for the ability to impose local gas taxes.

Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis says only non-home rule communities in Cook County or those with a population more than 100,000 can impose local motor fuel taxes without a referendum.

Lewis spoke during an Illinois Municipal League press conference at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday.

Lewis said House Bill 1283 provides for non-home rule communities to impose a tax, capped at three cents a gallon.

According to AAA, the average regular gas price per gallon in Illinois increased more than 30 cents in the last week to $3.32.

Story from Illinois Radio Network