Pritzker: Trump war to blame for high gas prices

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says everyone is paying more for gas because of President Donald Trump’s military action in Iran, but Illinois Republicans say gas is cheaper in neighboring states and Pritzker should take action to provide relief.

The governor spoke with reporters before an event in Chicago on Monday.

When asked if he would consider suspending Illinois’ gas tax in light of high prices at the pump, Pritzker agreed that prices are too high.

“And the first and foremost thing that needs to happen is the president needs to end this war. We’re all paying more than $1.50 more as a result of this war of choice by Donald Trump,” Pritzker said.

The governor said what’s happening in Iran is an illegal endeavor that is affecting everyone in the United States and impacting the overall economy.

State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, said gas was more than a dollar per gallon cheaper in western Iowa when he traveled there en route to a wedding in Missouri more than two weeks ago.

“If all states bordering us can offer gas at a lower price, it’s something we are doing here in Springfield that’s causing that burden,” Fritts said during a news conference at the Illinois Capitol last week.

Fritts said the governor could provide relief at any time by suspending the state sales tax on gas.

According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded in Illinois was $5.05 per gallon on Monday. Iowa’s average was $4.31. Wisconsin came in at $4.52, Kentucky at $4.17, Missouri at $4.16 and Indiana at $4.13.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced a gas tax holiday in April and extended the 30-day suspension on May 6.

When asked if he would consider suspending his state’s gas tax, Pritzker said Illinois is a transportation hub and must be careful.

“When we stop investing in our roads and our bridges and our water ports and our airports, that’s bad for our overall economy, so we have to weigh those things,” Pritzker said.

The governor said Illinois suspended a scheduled increase a few years ago.

“That’s something that I know is being considered by members of the General Assembly in general, but it has an effect on whether or not we can continue the work that needs to get done,” Pritzker said.

Illinois’ gas tax is scheduled to rise from 48.3 cents per gallon to 49.6 cents on July 1.

The state’s tax on diesel is scheduled to go from 55.8 cents per gallon to 57.1 cents per gallon.

Earlier this month, Illinois Trucking Association Executive Director Matthew Hart told The Center Square that the state has nearly $7 billion in its road fund and pausing the sales tax on gas would be “worth taking a look at.”