DeKalb Times

Senator Dave Syverson and other Illinois Republicans want to lower gas prices, as the American Automobile Association reported Wednesday that $4.50 is the average price at the pump in Illinois.

“Obviously, none of you can go out in public without talking with somebody about the issue involving the price of gas,” Syverson said. “Motor fuel prices continue to rise. When I filled up here in Springfield it was a little over $4.60 a gallon.”

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Petroleum and Other Liquids webpage noted the approximate retail price of gas is $3.52 per gallon.

“Prices are now at a point where they are devastating families, devasting those who are trying to get to work and these costs have increased and also hurting businesses that rely a lot on transportation,” Syverson said. “So, while these families and most of the blame for the cost of this is really coming from Washington where we have little influence on, there are some things that we can do as a state. That’s what we're here today to talk about. Illinois is just one of seven states that have, in addition to the motor fuel tax, has a sales tax.”

Fox32 Chicago reported Illinois gas prices are the highest they have been since 2008.

“This is not a partisan political issue but is a national security concern for our country and a real concern for all of the families and seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling every day with rising gas prices,” Rep. Dan Swanson said on his website. “Whether you’re a farmer planting crops, a trucker hauling our goods, or a business owner providing services, we need to act on this energy independence problem immediately and it should be a priority for the federal government.”

Sen. Craig Wilcox co-sponsored Senate Bill 4195, which would cap the state’s sales tax on motor fuel.

Fox32 Chicago reported prices are up more than $1.30 since one year ago.