Pending Legislation Would Reduce Prices at the Pump

State Rep. Chris Nybo (R-41st, Elmhurst) co-sponsored various pieces of legislation as part of a Motor Fuel Price Relief package to alleviate the escalating price of gas. 

House Bill 6146, if passed, will enact a six-month state sales tax holiday for gas between July 1 and Dec. 31.

In addition to the Illinois’ 19 cent per gallon Motor Fuel Tax, the state also charges the standard 6.25 percent sales tax on the purchase of gasoline. This legislation would suspend the state portion of that sales tax during the coming months.

“Suspending the local sales tax is one way to save motorists money on the state level,” Nybo said. “Residents are driving to bordering communities in Indiana and Missouri to buy cheaper gas, which in return is a loss in revenue to Illinois.”

An additional piece of legislation, House Bill 6147, was also co-sponsored by Nybo. It proposes permanently capping the sales tax on fuel, only allowing the state to charge sales taxes on the first $2.50 of each gallon of gasoline.

“Gas prices not only affect families but also businesses who rely on gas to function,” Nybo said. “These bills are aimed to offer some sort of relief to Illinois residents who rely on gas to perform their daily activities and lifestyles.”

Other pieces of legislation include House Resolution 877, which calls upon the Obama Administration to complete the Keystone Pipeline system for the delivery of Alberta crude oil to the 48 U.S. states.