Question of the day
Friday, May 1, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m pretty sure we posted this story from a few weeks ago…
Illinois Republican representatives spoke out in Springfield Wednesday during a press conference on Illinois’ gas tax as prices climb to around $4 per gallon.
Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) and Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur) proposed House Bill 5738, a measure they called relief for working families, citing ongoing affordability concerns. Their proposal would create a six-month “holiday” on the sales tax applied to gasoline, from July 1 through Dec. 31. […]
Spain said if approved, the measure could lower gas prices by about 20 cents per gallon by pausing the sales tax, but not the motor fuel tax. The state’s gas tax is five cents per dollar, per gallon.
He added that State Republicans had suggested the 5% sales tax funds be moved from the general revenue fund to the road fund to provide investments in Illinois roads.
However, the proposal was dropped in the Transit Reform Package conducted during veto session in Springfield, meaning funds from customers at the pump will now be directed to mass transit, primarily in Chicago.
“After JB Pritzker and Democrats raided downstate road funds for transit, downstate taxpayers deserve relief,” Spain said.
* I’m bringing it up now because some Republican candidates are using the idea in their campaigns…
State Representative candidate Robert Vrankovich today backed suspending the state’s sales tax on gasoline, saying families in the 47th District deserve immediate relief as rising costs continue to strain household budgets.
“Families are getting squeezed every time they fill up their tank, pay utility bills, or buy groceries,” said Vrankovich. “State government should be focused on lowering costs, not making life harder for working families.”
The proposal would suspend the state’s sales tax on gasoline for six months, lowering costs at the pump for drivers across Illinois.
“Whether it’s commuting to work, getting kids to school and activities, or running a small business, higher gas prices drive up the cost of everything,” Vrankovich said. “Families in DuPage County need practical relief now, not more delays from Springfield.”
Vrankovich said he will focus on affordability, accountability, and common-sense solutions.
“People in this district are paying more and getting less,” said Vrankovich. “They deserve leadership that continues to show up, listen, and fight to make Illinois more affordable.”
Vrankovich pledged that if elected, he will prioritize lowering costs and putting taxpayers first.
“Families should not have to wait for relief,” explained Vrankovich. “I’ll fight from day one for policies that make Illinois more affordable and deliver real results.”
* Gov. Pritzker was asked about the idea earlier this week…
Well, let’s begin by stepping back and saying that I think gas prices are now in Illinois up almost $1.40 per gallon as a result of this war of choice by Donald Trump. So I think it’s ironic that the party, the members of the party that supports him and won’t criticize him, are now calling for some action to ameliorate the effect that he’s having on every Illinoisan who drives or uses gasoline. Don’t forget, by the way, the inputs into the products that you buy, many of them, anything made with plastic, for example, has oil in it, or at least at its base. So guess what? The cost of those things has gone up. So this is a broader problem than just a gas price problem. This is a problem of Donald Trump willingness to go to war, apparently, against what he said when he was running. He’s now at war. He’s taken us to war. We have people dying on behalf of his adventurism, and we now have an economy that is hurt by virtue of what he’s doing.
Notice he didn’t actually answer the question.
According to AAA, the average gas price in Illinois today is $4.39 a gallon.
* The Question: Should the state sales tax on gasoline be suspended for six months? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
- The Dude Abides - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 11:52 am:
No - this is a national problem, so the Rs need to show that they actually know how to govern the entire population and find a national solution.
I’m not holding my breath
- Socially DIstant Watcher - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 11:55 am:
Republicans start a war that hikes gas prices, and then declare the state should forgo revenue for road repairs as a result? It’s no surprise they’re in the superminority.
Should the state suspend the gas tax? Of course not. The national government should address gas prices through other means. They broke it, they own it.
- The apologist - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:03 pm:
Downstate payers aren’t pulling their weight as it is, Mr. Spain.
- NIU Grad - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:05 pm:
This has been a right-wing talking point in Europe over the last month, as the war has led to skyrocketing fuel costs there. It’s an easy punch for them and allows them to redirect attention away from answering why exactly gas prices are increasing (100% on Trump).
- It's Just a Pill - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:09 pm:
No. The savings to the individual driver would barely be noticeable. The gap in neccessary road money would be.
- H-W - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:12 pm:
I voted no.
Why lower the gas tax? I thought the war was supposed to end today or get congressional approval? /s
This mess is directly the result of Republican politics. To see republican politicians now advocating to reduce the cost of gas by eliminating highway funds due to their support for the war has consequences is at the very least, hypocrisy. Indeed, were they not just recently complaining about the fact that transportation fund being spent poorly? Now it seems they want to cut the transportation fund more?
Consequences should be remembered on election day.
- JB13 - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:17 pm:
I reluctantly votes no, because it would make more sense for the General Assembly to end the automatic increase tied to inflation.
The last few years should have shown everyone how ridiculous this idea was.
If inflation is high, the auto increases are harmful.
If instability in the Persian Gulf (an issue that comes up every few years, like clockwork) causes prices to surge, the auto increases are just spiteful.
Not to mention, automatic tax increases with no sunset should be unconstitutional. But that’s an issue for another day.
So no, don’t suspend the gas tax. Do something better
- SOIL M - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:17 pm:
I voted no, because it should be permanently removed or at least lowered. I might be able to afford to buy gas in IL again without it. Might even be able to get a gas station to open here again. I bought gas in MO this morning for 3.69 by the way
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:19 pm:
===I voted no, because it should be permanently removed or at least lowered.===
Hope you never run for the General Assembly. lol
- Save Ferris - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:21 pm:
No. Costs are up for everything. Including road repairs. Gotta pay for it somehow. And gas tax is essentially a road-use tax. You use it, you pay for it.
- SOIL M - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:25 pm:
Rich–its odd how KY and MO, and many other states can maintain roads at much lower tax rates
- thechampaignlife - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:30 pm:
===Rich–its odd how===
You missed the point of Rich’s comment. You voted against temporary tax relief because it was not permanent. You let the perfect be the enemy of the good for your position.
- P. - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:33 pm:
Funny the $3.69 people thinking their gas isn’t going to be $4 and $5 in a few weeks thanks to rank incompetence. Enjoy it while it lasts.
How about a tax on windfall oil profits?
- Apple - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:33 pm:
No. No temporary tax holidays, no pension holidays, no putting things off on future generations. We’ve got a lot of postponed maintenance on which we need to catch up. On the bright side, the gas tax is now a lower percentage of the cost per gallon than it was before.
- Honeybearl - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:36 pm:
Voted no. We are getting hit by the Feds right left and center. Yes it’s painful but I think the pain needs to be felt. I’m hoping that pain at the pump will help bring our service members home. My daughter is out there enforcing the blockaid so this is personal to me.
- H-W - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:36 pm:
I am shooketh that JB13 does not realize that prices today are not about gas tax legislation.
In Forgottonia today, a gallon of gas is $4.75. Two months ago, it was $2.98. That 60% increase is not due to taxes.
- Think Again - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:37 pm:
=How about a tax on windfall oil profits?=
Forget the tax, take a look at your 401(K), those oil company profits help the average worker big time.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:38 pm:
===those oil company profits===
I truly hope you’re not doing any campaign media work.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:39 pm:
===On the bright side, the gas tax is now a lower percentage of the cost per gallon===
I truly hope you’re not doing any campaign media work, either. lol
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:39 pm:
I voted no because I do not think it would matter. The price is just going to keep going up and up. This war was just wrong, not thought out at all, and driven by ego and vanity. I am just thankful I drive a hybrid and can not even drive at all if I want to.
- B - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:40 pm:
No it should not because it then creates deficits elsewhere that will have to be paid regardless. As always it is performative by republicans. The problem is trump and conservative policy once again destroying the economy.
- Steve - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:42 pm:
I voted yes. Illinois being at the top end of the state gas tax range can tolerate helping at the pump. Other states do have a lower gas tax. I notice it when I gas up in Wisconsin. It’s only temporary like temporary tax increases.
- Pundent - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:43 pm:
No. Because the increase in the gas price is due to a war. You want lower gas prices, end the war. And if the Republican Party can’t do that they own the increase.
- Incandenza - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:44 pm:
No - it’s a tax on a greenhouse gas emitting fuel, and it’s helpful revenue. People are welcome to buy electric cars. The President and his party owns the high cost of fuel because of his myopia and unforced disaster of a war.
- Perhaps - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:45 pm:
Gas is $4.99 per gallon everywhere in our area.
Ryan Spain would be at the furthest outpost from a Trump supporter. It is why he is under attack from the Freedom Caucus perpetually. He would be very much a Thompson/Edgar Republican that is near extinction.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:46 pm:
- Two months ago, it was $2.98. That 60% increase is not due to taxes. -
Sure, but just think of all the headlines when dear leader does get them down to $2, a 175% decrease.
- Incandenza - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:46 pm:
== How about a tax on windfall oil profits? ==
This is where the conversation should go.
- Norseman - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:50 pm:
=== Rich–its odd how KY and MO ===
KY wasn’t that great last time I was there and don’t tell me about MO. I live there now and the state roads aren’t great and they recently raised the gas tax to deal with it.
As to the post: NO. The transportation system needs to be maintained. While nobody likes paying the gas taxes, transportation is critical for our economy.
P.S. I will still be paying IL gas taxes as I make trips to visit my wife’s grave and to visit family in the burbs.
- John Candy and Nuts - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:57 pm:
No. I voted no because on my way up I-55 this morning I saw that IDOT has yet to complete road construction. Until that happens, we need to fund public infrastructure as I prefer my groceries and goods, who generally arrive via semi-truck, have a way to make it to my grocery store.
- BE - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 12:58 pm:
Voted no. Because the gas tax is state revenue that is needed for our roads, especially when the Fed administration is trying to cut or remove funding from us just because we are a blue state.
If the gas tax is a nickel a gallon, how would removing it for 6 months make gas cheaper by 20 cents, as Spain says? When gas has gone up almost $2, how much is a 5cent discount going to do or be remembered at the voting booth?
Maybe if the GOP wants families to not have to pay so much for gas, maybe stop the war? Like there has been multiple votes in Congress on and all that the GOP have either blocked or voted in favor of Trump/war?
- Southern_Dawg - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:00 pm:
Nope. Anyone worried about gas prices should also be super concerned about all prices going up as a result of a completely unnecessary war with Iran.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:05 pm:
“the members of the party that supports him and won’t criticize him”
Voted no. This needs to stop at the source, in federal Congress. Where is the personal responsibility party and adults who have to take the car keys away, who scold Democrats? Where are the “nonpartisan” Illinois doomers, who are always crying about business costs? All this time they’ve been attacking Democrats and unions, but it’s their own side whacking them with high gas prices, war, tariffs, inflation and weak job growth.
- don the legend - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:18 pm:
JB13: If instability in the Persian Gulf (an issue that comes up every few years, like clockwork)
I didn’t realize America waged war against Iran and the shut down/closing of the Straight of Hormuz happens every few years.
- don the legend - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:22 pm:
I posted a comment but failed to note that I voted no.
- Ryan - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:25 pm:
Nope. This is a Republican problem. Their party leader caused it, they need to own it.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:34 pm:
No. Taxes pay the state’s bills. If the Republicans release a list of specific programs that will be cut to offset the lost revenue, I’ll take them a bit more seriously. (Adding…”waste, fraud, and abuse” is BS and doesn’t count.)
- Big Tom - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:37 pm:
Yes, I’m consistently in favor of lower taxes.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:42 pm:
GOP are all 100% behind the guy that started the war, so let them live with the consequences. No war, no $5 gas. He’s their hero. Ask him for a rebate.
- Leap Day William - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:43 pm:
I voted no. How many fiscal problems in this state have arisen from taking holidays like this? Can’t kick a can down the road in the future if there’s no funds to build roads. All any tax pause would do is increase gas station owner profits as they decrease their price some of that tax difference, and then slowly ratchet it back up.
== it would make more sense for the General Assembly to end the automatic increase tied to inflation. ==
The motor fuel tax is slated to go up a whopping $0.013 per gallon on July 1, 2026. Previously it went up a $0.013 in 2025 and $0.016 in 2024. Unless we suddenly end up in a Star Trek post-scarcity world, things will continue to get expensive. Ignoring this reality is why the gas tax had to double before. I’d rather it keep pace with costs.
- JS Mill - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:59 pm:
=If instability in the Persian Gulf =
LOL, what Don The Legend said.
I voted No. Gas is up over $2 a gallon here and 99% of iy is due to the GOP and the mr thin skin.
- Leap Day William - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 1:59 pm:
== its odd how KY and MO, and many other states can maintain roads at much lower tax rates ==
Speaking as someone who has found themselves driving through a lot of Missouri in the past few years, I think we have different definitions of what “maintain roads” means.
- Bored Chairman - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 2:02 pm:
Starting July 1, the sales tax on motor fuel will go to fund Chicago area transit. It won’t be used to fix roads - that’s done with the Motor Fuel Tax.
- lenoard - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 2:19 pm:
voted no the cost of new tires and frontend alignments is more costly than the gas tax
- curtis - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 2:23 pm:
No, buy an EV if you don’t like gas costs. I’m filling up my entire EV for 10-20 bucks.
- Stix Hix - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 2:57 pm:
No
It won’t nearly ofset the rise due to you know who and what. And, everyone wants their potholes fixed, they just don’t want to pay for it.
- StarLineChicago - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 2:58 pm:
No. Since the NITA Act reallocates fuel sales taxes to subsidize transit operations, that specific tax holiday would defund the best alternatives to driving (buses and trains) in the middle of a fuel price spike, which to me seems like the absolute worst time to do so.
- The Dude Abides - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 3:06 pm:
== its odd how KY and MO, and many other states can maintain roads at much lower tax rates ==
As someone who travels every year to
-Missouri
-Kentucky
-Arkansas
-Tennessee
-Indiana
Comparing the level of road maintenance (if there is any) is a joke at best and gaslighting at worst.
- Saluki24 - Friday, May 1, 26 @ 3:28 pm:
No. This would equate to kicking the can down the road - at some point, the lost revenue would need to be made up to maintain roads and infrastructure. Illinois has done plenty of that through the decades - it needs to stop.