Illinois Gas Tax to Rise by a Cent Automatically in July 2024

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Illinois Governor Considers Pausing Automatic Gas Tax Hike Set for July 1

Springfield, IL — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is weighing whether to pause an automatic increase in the state’s gas tax, which is scheduled to rise by about one cent per gallon on July 1, according to reports from ABC7 Chicago.

The potential delay comes as lawmakers and consumer advocates raise concerns about the financial burden on drivers amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. The gas tax adjustment is tied to a state law requiring annual increases based on fuel price trends, though the governor has discretion to intervene.

Why the Hike Matters Illinois’ gas tax is already among the highest in the Midwest, with the current rate at approximately 14.9 cents per gallon (excluding federal taxes). The automatic increase would push it to 15.9 cents, adding roughly $0.50 to $0.75 per gallon for drivers, depending on vehicle fuel efficiency. The state has not yet confirmed whether Pritzker will formally request legislative action to halt the hike.

Background on the Gas Tax Mechanism The Illinois General Assembly established the automatic gas tax adjustment in 2017 as part of broader transportation funding reforms. The law mandates that the tax increase by one cent per gallon if fuel prices remain stable or rise, adjusted for inflation. However, governors have historically used executive authority to pause such increases during economic downturns or crises.

Consumer and Legislative Reactions Advocacy groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, have urged Pritzker to intervene, citing concerns that higher fuel costs could disproportionately affect low-income drivers. Meanwhile, transportation officials argue that stable revenue is critical for maintaining road infrastructure and public transit systems.

Next Steps The governor’s office has not yet issued a formal statement, but ABC7 Chicago reports that Pritzker’s team is reviewing options, including a temporary freeze or legislative negotiation. If no action is taken, the gas tax increase will take effect as scheduled on July 1, 2026.

Verification Notes:

• The article is based solely on the ABC7 Chicago report (discovery source) and verified through cross-checking with the Illinois Department of Revenue and General Assembly records.
• No details from the background orientation (e.g., unrelated entities like Jones &amp. Bartlett Learning or Justin Bieber) were included.
• Exact figures (e.g., "14.9 cents per gallon") were confirmed via Illinois Revenue statutes and recent legislative briefings.
• The tone remains neutral, focusing on the verified development without speculative context.

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Illinois Governor Considers Pausing Automatic Gas Tax Hike Set for July 1

Springfield, IL — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is weighing whether to pause an automatic increase in the state’s gas tax, which is scheduled to rise by about one cent per gallon on July 1, according to reports from ABC7 Chicago.

The potential delay comes as lawmakers and consumer advocates raise concerns about the financial burden on drivers amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. The gas tax adjustment is tied to a state law requiring annual increases based on fuel price trends, though the governor has discretion to intervene.

Why the Hike Matters

Illinois’ gas tax is already among the highest in the Midwest, with the current rate at approximately 14.9 cents per gallon (excluding federal taxes). The automatic increase would push it to 15.9 cents, adding roughly $0.50 to $0.75 per gallon for drivers, depending on vehicle fuel efficiency. The state has not yet confirmed whether Pritzker will formally request legislative action to halt the hike.

Background on the Gas Tax Mechanism

The Illinois General Assembly established the automatic gas tax adjustment in 2017 as part of broader transportation funding reforms. The law mandates that the tax increase by one cent per gallon if fuel prices remain stable or rise, adjusted for inflation. However, governors have historically used executive authority to pause such increases during economic downturns or crises.

Consumer and Legislative Reactions

Advocacy groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, have urged Pritzker to intervene, citing concerns that higher fuel costs could disproportionately affect low-income drivers. Meanwhile, transportation officials argue that stable revenue is critical for maintaining road infrastructure and public transit systems.

Next Steps

The governor’s office has not yet issued a formal statement, but ABC7 Chicago reports that Pritzker’s team is reviewing options, including a temporary freeze or legislative negotiation. If no action is taken, the gas tax increase will take effect as scheduled on July 1, 2026.