April 17, 2026
House Republicans Propose Six-Month Suspension of Sales Tax on Gasoline
Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and State Representative Regan Deering held a press conference today to discuss the affordability issues plaguing Illinois due to Democrat policies and offered their solutions to provide Illinois families relief.
The Representatives’ focus was on targeting taxes and fees that the state can control, like the gas tax. Illinois’ gas tax ranks second highest in the nation, being increased to 48.3 cents last July.
Rep. Deering, who serves a rural district in central Illinois, noted the extra pressure on downstate, considering how much farther people need to travel for work, school, medical appointments, and even to reach a grocery store, and lack of alternatives, like a robust transportation system.
“Everyday people need relief. Relief from crushing taxes and the high cost of living, but under Gov. Pritzker’s regime, Illinoisans continued to be squeezed,” said Deering. “In February, the Governor proposed raising the state’s budget by $1 billion. Where does he think folks have money to spare to pay for yet another bloated budget that doesn’t offer any relief for hardworking Illinoisans? I can tell you the working people of Illinois can’t afford it.”
In an effort to provide desperately needed relief to Illinoisans, Rep. Spain filed HB 5738. The bill provides sales tax relief in way of a six-month temporary gas sales tax holiday from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Spain says it is the right thing to do for both consumers and the state’s economy.
“After JB Pritzker and Democrats raided Downstate road funds for transit, Downstate taxpayers deserve relief,” said Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain. “Downstate has seen systemic disinvestment in our road and bridge infrastructure over the past several decades, but this taking escalated in a significant way when Democrats raided downstate road funds by seizing sales taxes on motor fuel and all market interest gained on unspent road funds to bail out mismanaged Chicago-area mass transit systems.”
The Representatives emphasized that with the summer months coming, this is the least the state can do to deliver much needed relief to residents.
Rep. Ryan Spain passes “DJ’s Law” for teen driver safety
Illinois House honors the memory of Whiteside County teen, DJ Dorathy
State Representative Ryan Spain (R- 73rd District) delivered an impassioned speech before the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 15, honoring the life of Whiteside County teen DJ Dorathy before passing legislation proposed by his family to improve safety for young drivers in Illinois.
“We have to do everything we can to work with our young people to let them know we care about their safety and want to protect their lives,” said Representative Spain.
House Bill 4382 provides for a six-month suspension of driving privileges for young drivers convicted in violation of unrelated passenger restrictions who have been involved in an accident involving disability or death.
DJ Dorathy, a well-liked Prophetstown High School student athlete, was tragically killed along with two other young students in a vehicle crash on March 28, 2024. The surviving driver of the vehicle in which DJ was killed was found in violation of the unrelated passenger restrictions on their graduated drivers license for drivers of this age, and subsequently received a two-month suspension of their driving privileges. DJ’s mother, Chasity, has strived to turn their families grief into action to improve driving safety for young people across Illinois. On Wednesday, Spain passed House Bill 4382 (DJ’s Law) unanimously with the Dorathy Family looking on from the Speaker’s Gallery above the House Floor.
“Young drivers must recognize there are serious consequences if they are involved in an accident involving a tragedy like what happened to DJ,” said Spain, before paying tribute to Chasity Dorathy, of Tampico, for her efforts to bring awareness to young driver safety.HB 4382 will now go the Illinois State Senate for consideration in that chamber before being sent to the Governor.
» Rep. Ryan Spain passes “DJ’s Law” for teen driver safety
Around the District
I enjoyed the tour and visit with leaders of 3M Cordova in Rock Island County. 3M Cordova employs more than 500 employees in Rock Island County, making a variety of technologies that enable products such as Post-It™ Notes, Scotch Magic™ Tape, Scotch Blue™ Painter’s Tape and several medical tapes to “stick.” Thank you for sharing more about your operation, market, and workforce.
Great to visit with Illinois Realtors this week for their lobby day in Springfield!
Peoria Area Association of REALTORS’ own Jeff Kolbus is President of the Illinois Association of Realtors this year, the first Peorian to serve in this role in several decades, and it is always great to visit with our many local Realtor friends while they advocate for the industry in our State Capitol.
Always good to hear from and visit with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association – IFCA and Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. 73rd District residents may recognize Chief Nate Rice from the Peoria IL Fire Department and Chief Jim Hoscheid from the Cherry Fire Department. Thank you to our first responders for your service to our communities! 