Dylan Sharkey from the Illinois Policy Institute breaks down how Illinois drivers are hit with some of the highest gas taxes in the country, driven by the 2019 tax hike and automatic annual increases that continue regardless of legislative votes. He explains how state leaders have access to billions in road funds yet still raise fuel costs, and how layered taxes from state, county, and local levels push prices near or above $5 per gallon in parts of Illinois. The discussion also touches on broader budget practices, toll increases, and how policy decisions in Springfield continue to squeeze drivers despite claims of affordability and infrastructure investment.
Hashtags: #Illinois #GasPrices #TaxPolicy #IllinoisPolicyInstitute #DylanSharkey #EnergyCosts #Pritzker #Inflation #Transportation #BudgetPolicy
May 13, 2026
