Pritzker Appears to Be Eyeing Gas Tax Inflation Adjustment
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference in Champaign Tuesday. (Photo: Governor’s Office)
Governor JB Pritzker doesn’t appear ready to push any major temporary reduction or repeal of the state’s gasoline tax, instead, likely opting for pausing the state’s 1.3¢ inflation adjustment that is scheduled to kick in July 1.
“Anything we can do to lower the high costs that are being imposed on families across our state to make sure that we’re addressing affordability are things we should be focused on,” Pritzker said at un unrelated event in Champaign Tuesday. “But, for sure, we should be looking at what we can do to diminish the impact of high gas prices. What we can do is also consider the impact of whatever changes we make on building roads and bridges.”
The state’s combined road fund and construction fund are sitting on a combined $7.2 billion.
Sources say a significant reduction of the state’s 48.3¢ gas tax has not been a major discussion point in budget negotiations. Though some Democrats, like Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said Tuesday she was open to a reduction to help save consumers money.
Pritzker reiterated the root cause for the price spike has been the conflict in Iran, which he criticized President Donald Trump over.
“Donald Trump has added about $1.50 a gallon to every gallon of gas you fill your tank with. It’s a war of choice that led to that. He led us into that war, he should get us out of that war,” Pritzker said. “That’s the first and most important thing we should do to lower gas prices.”
The 6.25% sales tax, which is charged on top of the state and federal gasoline tax on every gallon sold in the state, is unlikely to be touched, we’re told. The transit bill passed last year begins using the sales tax to fund mass transit services beginning in July.
