Lake County Gazette

Kenny Idstein worries that a new state gas tax might be the tipping point for families struggling with the decision of how much longer they plan to call Illinois home.

“I talk to people every day deciding to do short-term loans because they’re thinking of not being here and to young people already planning to make their escape,” Idstein, a longtime mortgage professional who recently announced his 2018 Republican primary run in the 62nd District, told the Lake County Gazette. “It’s downright alarming how many people are talking about leaving Illinois, and this won’t help the cause.”

As part of the state budget, Illinois gas prices will soon climb by as much as 5 cents per gallon when a 20-percent sales tax credit granted to wholesalers for unleaded gas mixed with ethanol expires..

Kenny Idstein

In Chicago, gas prices are already 44 cents higher than the national average.

Overall, the new tax is expected to generate approximately $95 million for the state, though none of that money is earmarked for much-needed repairs to crumbling roads across the state.

With the tax officially being considered a sales tax, the money will instead be deposited into the state's general fund.

“It’s never good policy to be raising taxes with no reform,” Idstein said. “For something like this, there has to be ways to institute reforms and cut spending so that we can’t be taking more out of the pockets of taxpayers.”

Though he has never held public office, Idstein insists he’s ready for the challenge of ultimately facing off against incumbent Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Round Lake Beach).

“People want their government to be accountable, and they want their leaders to be fiscally responsible,” Idstein said. “I understand that; it’s who I am.”

Idstein served 17 years on the Grayslake Chamber Board and 10 years with the Planning Zoning Commission.

The 62nd District encompasses Grayslake, Round Lake and Round Lake Beach.