Rising gas prices show no sign of stopping. Average gas prices in Illinois are more than $5 a gallon, thanks in part to the nation’s second-highest motor fuel tax.

The second-highest motor fuel tax in the nation keeps Illinois’ gas prices the highest in the Midwest. Diesel hits a record as the average gas price moves close to a record.

While Illinois settles for Pritzker’s temporary relief that mostly expires after the November election, its neighbor states are making long-term changes to help grow their economies.

Springfield lawmakers will be the fourth-highest paid legislators in the nation after giving themselves a $2,700 raise in the 2023 state budget. Lawmakers’ salaries have increased 8% since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.

Drivers save 45 cents a gallon on gas by filling up at a station across the state line in Missouri, thanks to Illinois boosting gas taxes to No. 2 in the U.S. Gas station owners said Illinois drivers are filling up in other states.

The effective state and local tax burden in Illinois has risen from 11.2% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2022. It is now the nation’s seventh highest.