Illinois gas tax rakes in over $500 million in three months

ILLINOIS (KMOX) — It's only three months into Illinois' fiscal year, but the state — as expected — has already doubled the amount of money it's taken in from the new gasoline tax. 

The gas tax doubled from 19 cents per gallon to 38 cents on July 1 — implemented to help better fund road and bridge projects, local governments and local transit districts.

Related: Best, worst days to fill-up on cheapest gas in Missouri, Illinois
In a little more than three months, as of Oct. 7, the state has brought in $572 million from people paying at the pump. That's compared to $1.3 billion brought in during all of last year. 

Gas prices on either side of the Mississippi vary — but they're pretty close.

GasBuddy.com reports St. Louis City has gas ranging between $2.30 and $2.49 a gallon for regular unleaded, East St. Louis stations vary between $2.49 and $2.89 per gallon, most Granite City stations are fairly consistent around $2.55.

Gas have risen slightly across the country in the past week, but analysts expect there is relief ahead for states like California and those in the Great Lakes. How are gas prices trending in your area? https://t.co/c1hm8nLtG0 pic.twitter.com/gTJDMYiTt2

— GasBuddy (@GasBuddy) October 7, 2019

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