According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, gas costs have risen by an alarming 48 percent over the last year, and oil prices have skyrocketed by 70 percent. Attempts to provide motorists with relief was a topic of much debate during the recent legislative session.
Senate Republicans filed legislation that would permanently cap the sales tax on gas at 18 cents per gallon, which would provide Illinoisans with savings of up to 16 cents per gallon and put real money back into consumers’ pockets. Democrats, on the other hand, advanced a temporary election-year measure that would not reduce the current price of gas, but would only delay a 2-3-cent increase, which would have originally taken effect on July 1, until after the election.
Along with the Democrats’ measly gas savings, every gas station in the state will be required to place stickers at every pump that announce the delay in the tax increase through legislative action. Those found in violation of the sticker requirement will face misdemeanor charges and a fine of $500 per offense. A lawsuit is in consideration to oppose the mandate. Senator Rezin says it is wrong to force businesses to post political messaging and those who don’t comply should not be penalized.