Data from the American Petroleum Institute confirms doubling Illinois’ motor fuel tax will bring total taxes paid at the pump to third highest in the nation, up from 10th highest a year earlier.

The elections scheduled for November 2020 are already injecting uncertainty into the economy, and the progressive income tax ballot question will make matters worse.

The budget signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker included a $1,600 pay raise for the Illinois General Assembly – which already collects the nation’s 4th-highest base salary for state lawmakers.

Without serious property tax relief – including pension reform – it is likely fewer will demand planting roots in Illinois.

The Illinois General Assembly passed budget that included a $1,600 pay raise for state lawmakers, who already rank among the nation’s highest paid.

Lawmakers sold 20 new taxes and fees as necessary to rebuild crumbling roads and bridges and balance the budget. Instead, taxpayers will be funding dog parks, swimming pools, snowmobile paths, a vacant theater and pickleball courts.

Ahead of Independence Day, Illinoisans near the state border exercise their freedom to purchase alcohol in low-tax neighboring states.

Protesters on July 1 greeted the doubled gasoline tax in Illinois. They warned that the 19-cent hike will hurt businesses near the state line, and poor people all across the state.

Property tax increases cannot be capped without addressing the costs driving high property taxes. Some lawmakers are ignoring that to draw support for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s progressive tax.

Travelers filling up in Illinois will pay a 19-cent premium for the privilege of buying gas in the Prairie State.