Reis Calls on Governor to Convene Special Session to Address High Gas Prices

August 16, 2006

Olney.….State Representative David Reis has joined other area lawmakers in calling on Governor Rob Blagojevich to convene a special legislative session addressing the current high gas prices.

"Illinois residence are really feeling the strain with these high prices," Reis stated. "And with the uncertainty in Alaska and the Labor Day weekend approaching, the situation will probably only get worse."

Reis said there are several options being floated around including eliminating the state portion of the six-and-a-quarter percent tax currently charged on all road fuels for a three-month period. This could save motorists an average of 50-dollars a month.

Because Illinois currently tacks on an additional 6.25% on the price of a gallon of gas, Reis feels the state is clearly in a position to provide the relief to the taxpayers.

"The state is clearly taking in more dollars than it had anticipated with these high prices and the extra dollars could be returned to the taxpayers in the form of relief," Reis said.

In addition, Reis would like to debate permanent changes in the whole concept of a state sales tax charged on gasoline. Illinois is one of a very few states that even charge a sales tax on fuel, which puts our businesses at a unique disadvantage

"Perhaps we should just eliminate the tax altogether," said Reis. "At a minimum I think we should discuss moving away from a percent sales tax and go to a flat rate so the total tax burden will remain consistent no matter what the price of gas is."

Reis says Republicans would also like to discuss legislation requiring the sales tax be spent exclusively on roads and bridges instead of going into the general revenue fund.

"Believe it or not this sales tax is not specifically directed toward road improvements," Reis said. "Many lawmakers feel that if the tax is to remain, at least the dollars should be spent on road and bridge improvements."