How Do You Like Those Gas Prices In Illinois?
Gas Taxes Were Raised in 2009
Not Much Has Changed From One Dist.86 Legislator to the Next!
[You Know A Teen Looking For A Job?]
Important that you read this e-mail completely!
Gas Taxes Affect Us All:
From the AAA Newsroom:
"May 31, 2013... The five states with the highest [gasoline] averages today include: Hawaii ($4.36), Alaska ($4.08), N.D. ($4.06), Calif. ($4.01) and Ill. ($3.97).
On June 2nd, 2013, for the first time in three months, American motorists paid more at the pump than they did one year ago."
Illinois reaps “windfall profits” when gas prices rise. Specifically, the state applies a 6.25 percent sales tax on gasoline, in addition to a flat-rate excise tax. When gas prices go up, so does the state’s “take” from sales taxes. Over time, this can significantly increase the tax burden on motorists. In 2002, the Illinois sales tax accounted for 12 percent of all taxes applied to a gallon of gasoline in Chicago or 7.2 cents. Currently, it is 26.9 percent of taxes on a gallon of gasoline, now equal to 23 cents. In 2009, legislator's, like former Rep. Jack McGuire, raised the gasoline taxes on Illinois and District 86 (Joliet, Crest Hill, Rockdale, Elwood, Channahon) citizens. Currently (May 2012 to June of 2013) District 86 legislator, Larry Walsh Jr., failed to do anything about it!
In an April 2011 article, by Steve Balich, he informs us on gas taxes:
"There is a 19-cents per gallon tax coupled with a 1.1 cent per gallon State environment tax, and a .3% tax for the underground storage fund (12 cents on a $4 gallon of gas). This means the State gets 33-cents per gallon on a $4 per gallon price just to start. Now add in the sales tax which varies from 7% to 10% which we will call 32 cents per gallon making the tax on a $4 gallon of gas 55-cents. Were are not done; Cook county has a 6 cent per gallon tax as does the city of Chicago with 5 cents per gallon making gas there 11 cents per gallon higher. We are now at 66 cents per gallon, but we need to add the 18.4 cents per gallon the Federal Government throws in, making the taxes that I know of, at 85 cents per gallon of $4 gas. Throw in the extra costs needed by business to pay some of the 2.5 increase in corporate tax and you are paying over 90-cents in tax for a $4 gallon of gas."
In February 2013, Alm reported:
"CNN Money reported Monday the average price for a gallon of gasoline in America is $3.73. Gas prices are 36 cents higher at many stations in Elmhurst. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in America, according to CNN Money, has jumped more than 13 percent over the past 32 days, to $3.73. In Joliet, the news is worse. Prices are exceeding the average by anywhere from 17 cents to 36 cents per gallon."
And speaking of the past, lets take a look at how our legislators have hammered us at the gas pump lately, as we've had the dubious honor to be in the top 10 in the nation, with the most expensive gasoline.
Lowering the gas sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25 might make a material difference in the lives of Illinois residents [according to the Illinois Policy Institute] in a number of ways, including pumping a minimum of $220 million into the economy over 4.5 months.
The current Illinois tax burden is the fourth highest in the country on gasoline and diesel fuel at $0.395 per gallon and $0.413 per gallon, respectively. The taxes collected from sales taxes on fuel go into the state’s general fund and will not affect taxes collected and specifically allocated to roads and transportation.
A gas sales tax moratorium might make a real difference for consumers, particularly the poor and working class, and it will also positively impact the trucking industry.
Lastly, did you know that your car insurance rates are set to go up?
On May 26, 2013, Larry Walsh Jr. in a (70-41) vote, voted YES to raise your car insurance premiums by $75.00, starting in 2015. In a state that has the highest unemployment in the nation, legislator's like Walsh Jr. decide to stick YOU with yet another tax/fee... a rising car insurance bill (let's hope that by 2015 the economy improves so you can afford it).
As reported on May 28th and 29th:
"Illinois motorists who carry only the minimum insurance required by law might find themselves paying more for premiums starting in 2015."
"Bob Hunter, insurance director of the Consumer Federation of America, said Illinois raising the minimums will exacerbate problems for people who can barely afford insurance now.
"Raising the required minimum liability insurance to drive a car is very harmful unless the state of Illinois does something to help low- and moderate-income people afford it," Hunter said."
"State Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from the Carbondale area, voted against the bill. He has heard estimates that it could cost consumers who are currently carrying only minimum insurance up to an additional $75 a year.
While acknowledging that the minimums were set years ago and have not increased, Bost said he is concerned about low-income families in his area, who are already finding it difficult to make ends meet.
He worries that, if they drive without insurance, they'll be breaking the law and also worries that some may choose to not drive, making it more difficult for them to get to work and continue to pay their housing bills and keep food on the table."
Learn even more on this subject - Click here!
Illinois Citizens... District 86 Citizens... You Deserve Better!
Drive Safe and Pay Attention To Prices At The Gas Pump!
