Schaumburg.…With gas prices rising past $4 per gallon and expected to approach $5 per gallon this summer, Republican candidates for State Representative Anita Forte-Scott and Peggy Brothman are calling on legislators to support an immediate suspension of the state sales tax on gasoline that is to be voted on this Tuesday by the Illinois House of Representatives. According to Brothman and Scott, suspension of the sales tax on gasoline purchases would provide immediate relief to consumers by reducing the cost per gallon by at least 17 cents.
“Nothing impacts a family budget more than the rising cost of gasoline,” said Anita Forte-Scott, candidate for State Representative for the 56th District. “Illinois’ high gas prices not only affect families at the pump, they have a trickle down effect by increasing the costs of every consumer product—from groceries to pizza delivery. Illinois families need relief and they need it now,” said Forte-Scott.
According the AAA fuel gauge, gas per gallon is averaging $4.05 per gallon in the Chicago area. Just one month ago, the average cost per gallon was $3.65.
“Saving families $20 to $30 dollars per month makes a big difference for their budgets, especially with the cost of groceries on the rise,” said Peggy Brothman, candidate for State Representative for the 44th District.
Both Forte-Scott and Brothman support a House Republican initiative (House Bill 6318) that would suspend the state portion of state gas sales tax immediately through September 15th.
A similar measure was enacted in 2000 by the General Assembly and produced results for Illinois consumers by immediately reducing the cost of gas, according to the AAA (see attached).
House Republican Leader Tom Cross has said the Republicans will move to call the sales tax suspension initiative on Tuesday. On April 9th, House Republicans attempted to call the initiative for a vote, but Democrats used a parliamentary procedure to block the vote. Both Representative Froehlich and Representative Crespo voted with the Democrat majority on that date to block a vote to suspend the sales tax on gasoline.
“Since Representative Froehlich last voted against gas tax relief, prices have risen over 50 cents per gallon,” said Forte-Scott. “I hope he changes his position…again.”
Brothman added that Crespo will now have his second opportunity to reduce gas prices for Illinois families.
“Since being elected, Representative Crespo has seen his pay increase, he’s passed a budget that is over $1.5 billion in the red and he’s voted against gas tax relief,” said Brothman. “Now is the time for Representative Crespo to stand with working families, or at least get out of the way.”
On Tuesday, May 20th, House Republicans will move to discharge House Bill 6318 from the Democrat controlled Rules Committee. If approved by the House, the suspension of the state sales tax on gasoline would begin immediately following approval by the Senate and Governor.
David McAloon in the 75th House District and Lawrence Bruckner in the 71st sounded similar calls for gas tax relief prior to the expected vote on Tuesday. Both of their Democratic opponents are expected to vote on the measure.
