SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could have the highest fuel tax in the nation if Gov Pritzker and the Democrats decide they really want that dubious notoriety – it's on the way.
But if you're the person that drives across county or state lines to save 10 cents a gallon, you'll appreciate that the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMA) and the Illinois Association of Convenience Stores (IACS) are partnering with hundreds of small business owners across Illinois to “Tank the Tax.”
"Tank the Tax" is a movement to oppose legislation that would nearly double the current tax on gasoline motorists pay statewide at the pump. If the proposal were to pass, the state’s motor fuel tax would increase by another 30 cents per gallon, bringing the total fuel tax to 85 cents per gallon – the highest in the nation.
“Raising the state gas tax would have devastating consequences on our local gas station and convenience stores, particularly those along the borders that are already competing for business with surrounding states. Store owners as well as state and local governments will lose 8 to 10 percent of much-needed revenue, including revenue from products purchased other than gas, such as tobacco, food and beverages,” said Bill Fleischli, executive vice president, IPMA-IACS.
“In addition, low and middle-class families trying to get to work and school will be adversely impacted, as they’ll be paying close to a dollar per gallon at the pump. “Tank the Tax” allows store owners and residents across the state to push back against lawmakers by directly, and easily, sending a communication to their area lawmakers to oppose any increase in the state’s gas tax.”
Illinois has already seen 700 gas stations close and a reduction of 9,000 employees in the industry over the past five years. Since the launch of “Tank the Tax” earlier this week, more than 600 messages have been sent to Illinois lawmakers to oppose the tax proposal. To join the movement, drivers are encouraged to visit www.tankthetax.org, where they can easily contact their lawmakers.
