State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) announced that he is opposed to the newest proposal to more than double the tax from 19 cents a gallon to 44 cents per gallon. The Revenue and Finance Committee passed out on a party-line vote to increase the gas tax and eighteen other taxes and fees.
“I oppose these massive tax increases on gasoline and vehicle registration fees that will make Illinois’ gas tax burden the highest in the nation,” said Rep. Darren Bailey. “Families and seniors on fixed incomes will be hit harder in southern Illinois because of the many more miles they have to drive to school, work, and hospitals or medical appointments.”
In addition to the gasoline tax going up, the proposal would increase ‘special fuel’ (primarily diesel fuel) by 21.5 cents per gallon to 52 cents a gallon and additional fees on aviation fuel (unless sold at O’Hare or Midway Airports in the Chicago area), kerosene, and home heating oil. The vehicle registration fees would increase $50 for passenger vehicles and B-Trucks, and electric vehicle fees would go from $17.50 to $1,000. All drivers’ license fees would double.
“The state received $1.5 billion more in revenue than expected last month and we do not need to raise taxes and fees. We need to cut spending and prioritize the programs and agencies that help those who need it most,” Rep. Bailey added.