May 15, 2026
Rep. Spain Proposes Six-Month Suspension of Sales Tax on Gasoline
In an effort to provide desperately needed relief to Illinoisans, Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain has 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 Rep. 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.”
Learn more >>
Taxes Go Up 57 Times, Spending Explodes During Pritzker Administration
A new study shows taxes have gone up at least 57 times under JB Pritzker’s reign as Illinois Governor, with an estimated taxpayer cost of more than $77 billion since 2019.
Illinois does not have a revenue problem. Illinois Democrats have a spending problem. It’s time to stop raising taxes and provide real tax relief to hard-working, overtaxed families and small businesses.
Gov. JB Pritzker wants more tax and fee hikes even after presiding over at least 57 of them since 2019 and with Illinois’ budget still in dysfunction.
New tax and fee burdens under Pritzker have cost taxpayers more than $77 billion. Last year alone, Illinoisans paid $16.5 billion more in state taxes than they would have if taxes stayed consistent with 2018 levels.
The median Illinois household now pays nearly $1,400 more per year in state taxes than it would have under prior levels.
Examples of recent tax policy moves in Illinois:
- The gas tax was doubled in 2019 from $0.19 to $0.38 per gallon and indexed to annual increases to inflation. It now stands at 48.3 cents per gallon.
- The net-operating-loss deduction was capped in 2021, effectively double-taxing Illinois companies.
- Late last year Pritzker signed a bill decoupling Illinois from federal business tax cuts.
Property taxes have risen 27% under Pritzker’s watch. While driven by local decisions, state policy, particularly around pension and school funding, has pressured local governments and contributed to those hikes.
Read more from the Illinois Policy Institute, including the full list of 57 tax & fee hikes.
Rep. Ryan Spain Attends Firefighters Memorial at the State Capitol
This week, Illinois lawmakers paused to honor firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony in Springfield. Each year, the ceremony allows us to remember those who have fallen and to recognize the firefighters who continue to serve our communities with such pride, courage, and honor.
Learn more >>
Safe Routes to School Grant Funding awarded for sidewalk construction in village of Walnut
State Representative Ryan Spain congratulated Bureau Valley North Elementary School and the Village of Walnut on their successful Safe Routes to School Grant application in the most recent cycle.
The Bureau County project was awarded $62,900 for new sidewalk construction, which will connect two currently separated sidewalks/bike paths in the village of Walnut, Illinois.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation using federal funds, Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle, and high schools. Improvements typically include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education, and outreach programs.
