SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Governor J.B. Pritzker announced, earlier this year, his plan to build revenue for the state through increased taxes.
In this plan, a gas tax was proposed and approved by the state. Now in effect, the new tax increase has doubled the tax from 19 cents to 38 cents on the gallon.
Drivers near the border are seeing a big difference in the price. State officials said the average driver could see a $125 increase in gas costs over the course of a year.
Illinois commuters like Darce Dunlap are feeling lucky to have a choice in prices since Indiana is just a few miles away.
It’s just going to be cheaper for us to go to Indiana than it is to buy anything in Illinois.”
Darce Dunlap
Dunlap drives to Hutsonville everyday for work and feels it is unfair that Illinois is taxing heavier on necessary, everyday items.
This tax is affecting more than just unleaded, officials are expecting a 5 cent increase on diesel too.
For workers with driving as a part of their job, like Robinson Ill. Police Chief Chad Weaver, this is impacting their budgets.
Weaver said the department could see and increase in $2,500 this year from the gas tax alone. He said this increase in cost is going to take away from funding that goes toward equipment and supplies.
