Will County Gazette

Illinoisans are not happy with the second increase in the gas tax this year. Moreso, critics are also speaking out against the reinstatement of the grocery tax. 

The motor fuel tax for gasoline, gasohol, and compressed natural gas in Illinois was expected to increase by 3.1 cents, reaching 45.4 cents per gallon, while the tax rate for diesel fuel will also rise by 3.1 cents, reaching 52.9 cents per gallon.

“The Illinois state tax on gasoline will jump to 45.4 cents per gallon on July 1 and remain at the rate through June 2024, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue,” Dale Batterman, a Monee resident, said on Facebook. “This will be the second gas tax increase for Illinois residents in 2023. Happy 4th ... oh and food tax in Illinois also goes back up July 1st .. Somebody voted for him?” 

Three days before the 4th of July, two taxes on essential items in Illinois were increased. The state's gas tax was expected to rise by 3.1 cents per gallon, bringing the total tax to 45.4 cents, marking the second increase in the motor fuel tax this year, according to The Center Square. Additionally, the state's 1% tax on groceries, which was temporarily suspended during last year's election cycle, will be reinstated. Gov. J.B. Pritzker defended the reinstatement, citing the need for local government funding, while critics argue that the tax increases place a burden on residents who are already facing high property taxes. The state's recently approved fiscal year 2024 budget also includes other fee increases.

The state effected a gas tax increase at the start of the year, adding 3.2 cents per gallon of gas, resulting in the state having the second-highest gas tax in the United States after California. The State Motor Fuel Tax in Illinois was previously set at $0.423 per gallon of gasoline and $0.498 per gallon of diesel fuel until June 30, Mahomet Daily reported.

The end of the one-year suspension of the grocery tax implemented by Pritzker is notable given the majority of states don’t tax food. Despite discussions on making the tax suspension permanent, the majority of state lawmakers opted against joining the states that do not tax groceries at all. According to Illinois Policy, only 13 states tax groceries and Illinois is the only one among the ten most populous states to impose a tax on groceries.