State Representative Dan Caulkins held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss halting the cost of living increase on motor fuel for two years. 

Since Fiscal Year 2019, the gas tax has more than doubled, increasing from $0.19 to $0.454, which it sits at currently. July 1, 2024, the beginning of FY 25, the gas tax is set to increase.

Representative Caulkins says that HB5852 is a result of Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal of taking $175 million from the Road and Construction Fund to help balance the budget.  Caulkins says that the Governor believes that road projects are funded so taking that money wouldn’t affect any proposed projects.  Representative Caulkins argued saying if it isn’t needed for projects, shouldn’t the taxpayers get it back? 

After 2019 without needing legislative approval, the gas tax has increased annually with inflation, following the Consumer Price Index. This year’s increase is set at another 3.5% increase.

Caulkins continued by saying that Republicans want to suspend the increase for two years.  He says Illinois has been aggressive in fixing roads and bridges, but the Road and Construction Fund has increased from $839 million in 2020 to an estimated almost $5 billion this year. Representative Caulkins believes those $5 billion are tax dollars that have not been used, despite an aggressive road and bridge repair plan by IDOT. 

HB 5852 was filed this week, but with adjournment scheduled for Friday, action on the bill is limited. To follow the bill, visit the ILGA website.