Southern Illinois News

Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) says Illinois' high taxes are making life difficult for families.

"I represent a district that borders Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri. The bridge from my hometown of Metropolis crosses the Ohio River into Paducah, Kentucky. On Friday last week gasoline was 72 cents cheaper in Missouri and 51 cents cheaper in Kentucky than in Illinois," said Windhorst.

Windhorst joined House Republican colleagues Reps. Patrick  (R-Harrisburg), Amy Elik (R-Alton), Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) and Mark Luft (R-Pekin) at a news conference March 16 to push for tax relief for Illinois families.

"It's easy to point out the problems. I'm a father and a husband, and I've heard from other working families that are struggling just to make ends meet. The question is, what are we prepared to do about it?" Windhorst asked. "My colleagues and I have sponsored legislation to freeze, suspend, or outright reduce property taxes, various sales taxes, income tax, and these fuel taxes over the course of this General Assembly," Windhorst said. "None of our proposals have been brought forward by Democrats for even a subject matter hearing. The lack of action by the Democrats on the issue of inflation and high gas prices is inexcusable, and is why I'm standing here with my colleagues today."

Legislators have been concerned about all energy taxes. Rep. Maurice D. West (D-Rockford) is one of those legislators looking at the natural gas surcharge, concerned about the effect those bills are having on Black and brown residents who may be disproportionately affected. "Black and brown communities have these surcharges that they have to choose either pay their heating bill to stay warm and go hungry or fill their bellies and be cold," West said, according to CBS 23

On March 11, Sens. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), Don DeWitte (R-West Dundee), and Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) introduced Senate Bill 4195, which would lower the tax per gallon of gas to 18 cents per gallon for motor fuel and 80% of that amount for gasohol and biodiesel blends.