Tell Your Lawmakers We Need Gas Tax Relief

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois families are constantly being squeezed by state lawmakers, and this is especially true at the gas pump.

State Representatives Regan Deering (R-Decatur), C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), and Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) are calling for immediate relief through House Bill 5738, which would suspend the state’s sales tax on gasoline for six months. At current prices, that would mean roughly 20 cents per gallon back in the pockets of Illinois families.

As gasoline prices climb above $4.00 per gallon in many parts of the state, Illinois drivers are paying not only for global energy pressures, but for one of the highest gas tax burdens in the nation. According to a press release by Rep. Davidsmeyer, we are paying a per-gallon tax of 48.3 cents—plus a 6.25% sales tax on gasoline. In effect, Illinois residents are paying a tax on a tax every time they fill up.

For working families who rely on their vehicles to get to work, school, and medical appointments, these inflated costs are not just inconvenient—they are crushing. When gas prices rise, everything else follows: groceries, utilities, and basic necessities all become more expensive.

But the problem doesn’t stop at high taxes.

In 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Democrat majority approved a massive bailout of Chicago’s mass transit system, redirecting nearly $500 million away from downstate road funding. Revenue generated from gas taxes—once intended for infrastructure—has now been shifted, leaving many communities paying more while receiving less.

This raises a simple question: Why should Illinois drivers continue to pay a gas sales tax that no longer benefits their roads—and only adds to their financial burden?

Lawmakers have an opportunity to do the right thing.

HB 5738 is a straightforward, temporary measure that would provide real, immediate relief. Illinois has enacted similar tax holidays before. There is no excuse not to act now—especially as families head into the summer driving season.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to contact your state representative and state senator today and urge them to co-sponsor and support HB 5738*. You may want to point out that many Illinois families need relief right now, not more taxes and bigger and bigger government.

Maybe it is time to remind Springfield lawmakers that they work for you. It’s time they started acting like it.

*HB 5738, introduced by Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) is cosponsored by 16 other Republicans, including State Representatives Amy Elik (R-Alton), Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee), Dan Ugaste (R-St. Charles), Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg), Joe Sosnowski (R-Machesney Park), Regan Deering (R-Decatur), C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville), Charles Meier (R-Highland), Kyle Moore (R-Quincy), Tom Weber (R-Fox Lake), Jason Bunting (R-Wateseka), Dave Severin (R-Benton) and Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon).

Not one Democrat has co-sponsored this proposal for temporary tax relief on gasoline.

Edited for clarity with assistance from IFA staff and AI tools;
the human author made all final content decisions.