Free-photos/Pixabay
Free-photos/Pixabay
In 2020, Illinois lawmakers enacted a 19-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, the first such hike in nearly three decades. The move was intended to address the state's deteriorating infrastructure and generate revenue for much-needed repairs. However, Illinois now has the second-highest motor fuel tax in the nation and the high cost of gas is now putting a massive strain on residents and businesses alike.
For the small business gas station owners along the northern Lake County border where I live, the Illinois gas tax increase is especially devastating. There is a minimum 50-cent per gallon difference between gasoline in northern Illinois and on the other side of the border. The gas station on the Wisconsin side is packed with Illinois drivers filling up for much less.
The gas tax increase also hurts everyday people struggling to afford the increased commuting costs, and some businesses are forced to pass the higher expenses on to their customers. As a result, the gas tax hike is hurting the state's economy. These costs are especially hard on small businesses that are dealing with record high inflation, a supply chain crisis, and a looming recession.
Sheri Jesiel
| Provided
As any lawmaker knows, infrastructure is essential for the smooth functioning of any community. Roads, bridges, and other public facilities must be maintained and improved on a regular basis in order to keep up with the needs of the people.
However, it is also important to remember that high taxes can have a crippling impact on residents and businesses. If taxes are too high, people will be less likely to invest in our state and leave for friendly business environments, which can lead to even more problems down the road.
Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between maintaining infrastructure and keeping taxes reasonable. By doing so, lawmakers can ensure that they are doing what is best for the state as a whole.
Otherwise, they risk causing more harm than good.
Sheri Jesiel is a former member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
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