Windhorst Sponsors Legislation to Address Inflation, High Gas Prices
SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) joined fellow House Republicans for a Capitol news conference on Wednesday to highlight legislation he’s sponsoring to address the rising price of fuel and consumer goods as families are dealing with record inflation.
“The State of Illinois charges sales tax on motor fuel above the usual motor fuel tax, which means the higher the price of gas, the more a customer pays in sales tax on a gallon of gas. I have filed legislation, HB 5481, that would suspend the additional sales tax on motor fuel when the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index is more than 3% over the previous 12-month period,” Windhorst said. “I am also co-sponsoring legislation along with Leader Mark Batinick, Rep. Paul Jacobs and Rep. Dan Swanson that would cap the rate of sales tax at .18 cents per gallon of gas. This bill would prevent the sales tax on a gallon of gas from ever going above that amount regardless of an increase in gas prices.”
Windhorst appeared with Reps. Amy Elik, Mark Luft, and Deputy House Republican Minority Leader State Rep. Tom Demmer, all legislators sponsoring tax cuts on a host of issues.
Windhorst says with inflation hitting fresh 40-year record highs every single month, middle class families and hardworking people are being squeezed at the gas pump and the grocery store.
“It’s easy to point out the problems. I’m a father and a husband, and I’ve heard from other working families that are struggling just to make ends meet. The Question is, what are we prepared to do about it?” Windhorst asked. “My colleagues and I have sponsored legislation to freeze, suspend, or outright reduce property taxes, various sales taxes, income tax, and these fuel taxes over the course of this General Assembly,” Windhorst said. “None of our proposals have been brought forward by Democrats for even a subject matter hearing. The lack of action by the Democrats on the issue of inflation and high gas prices is inexcusable, and is why I’m standing here with my colleagues today.”
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