House Fails to Pass Gas Tax Relief

May 20, 2008…The Illinois House voted against legislation to immediately suspend the Illinois gas tax. With gas prices rising and expected to be near $5 per gallon this summer, Republican legislative candidate Dwight Kay is disappointed the leadership in Springfield voted against gas tax relief. According to Kay, suspending the sales tax on gasoline purchases would provide immediate relief to consumers by reducing the cost per gallon.

“The rising cost of gasoline affects us all,” said Dwight Kay, candidate for State Representative for the 112th District. “The rising cost of gas has forced people to choose between filling up their car and stocking their fridge. The cost of gas is also forcing people to modify their vacation plans. Saving a family $20 to $35 dollars per month makes a big difference in their budget. Illinois families need gas tax relief and they need it now,” said Kay.

Kay supports a House Republican initiative (House Bill 6318) that would suspend the state portion of the gas sales tax immediately through September 15th.

On April 9th, House Republicans attempted to call the initiative for a vote, but Democrats used a parliamentary procedure to block the vote. Again, on May 20th, the Democrat controlled house voted against HB 6318 from being heard on the House floor. Representative Jay Hoffman voted with the Democrat majority on both dates to block the vote to reduce the sales tax on gasoline.