East Central Reporter

Gas prices have fluctuated in prices over the year in the United States, but now they’ll stay above $4.00 per gallon at the pumps.

“This isn’t by accident, guys,” Representative Blaine Wilhour said. “In 2019 when they were proposing this gas tax we sounded the alarm. We said all we’re going to get out of this is higher prices and it's going to disproportionately affect working families, especially in our part of the state the people that have to drive to get to work. I think that it is very, very important to point out this isn't just a Democrat problem.”

AAA reported the average gas price is $5.00.

“The difference between gasoline prices in Illinois and the bordering states is significant: 60 cents to 70 cents a gallon higher in Illinois. So, if you’re close to the border, why would you buy gasoline in Illinois?” Gary Meyer, the owner of Friendly Fred's Truck Stop in Gilman, said to Illinois Policy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration wrote gas prices are influenced by taxes, distribution and marketing costs and profits, to name a few.

“This is a political class problem in the state of Illinois,” Wilhour said. “Twenty Republicans, including Avery Bourne, who is running as the lieutenant governor for Richard Irvin’s failing campaign supported this gas tax. Nine Republicans supported the Illinois Green New Deal policy that is going to increase your utility rates by over $600 a year at a minimum.”

Illinois has a gas tax of 39 cents, which makes it the most expensive in the midwest.

To temporarily combat this, the Illinois 2023 Fiscal Year Budget will have a six-month freeze on its gas tax.

“Given the pandemic and the impact of inflation, we know families are in desperate need of relief,” said Representative Mike Zalewski said in a release. “After months of negotiations, the governor is signing a budget that supports people and families that need help the most and provides tax incentives to support Illinois businesses.”

The average gas prices as of June 13 broke the state record for two weeks in a row, having an 88-cent difference per gallon from neighboring states.