(Springfield, IL) — Republican lawmakers are pushing for a suspension of the state gas tax to provide relief to motorists.
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (D-Barrington Hills) says Republicans are on board and he has 40 votes in favor of the plan. The measure would need the support of 20 Democrats to pass.
Asked several times about a gas tax suspension, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has repeatedly said he is focused on affordable housing and other issues. Pritzker has also used the issue to blame President Donald J. Trump. A number of states have suspended their gas taxes to provide relief at the pump.
According to AAA Chicago, the state-wide average for a gallon of unleaded gas is $5.03 as of May 20, 2026. The record high for Illinois was $5.56 in June 2022.
