Will County Republican Caucus Opposes County Gas Tax

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Republican Caucus has said it opposes a county gas tax for residents. The Will County board will vote on a 4 - to 8-cent per gallon county gas tax Sept. 19.

According to a release, Will County received authorization to levy a motor fuel tax of up to 8 cents per gallon as part of Governor J.B. Pritzker's $45 billion capital plan. The county gas tax would be on top of the state and municipal gas taxes drivers already pay.

“Illinois residents are taxed enough already and now the Democrats want to increase the taxes on Will County residents,” Republican board member from New Lenox Ray Tuminello said in a release. “With the current and new state taxes and fees, it is time to give people a break.”

According to a release, as a result of the state's new 19-cent per gallon gas tax and infrastructure bond issue, Will County will receive over $10 million additional dollars in addition to the $9 million the county already receives.

“If the other side of the aisle wants to put a gas tax in, it is time to ask residents who weren’t given a voice on the state gas tax to weigh in,” Republican board member from Homer Glen Mike Fricilone said in a release. “We should ask the residents how they want to spend their money and let them decide.”

Fricilone suggested putting an advisory referendum question on the ballot regarding the County gas tax.

“There is no need to keep burdening voters with these taxes,” Fricilone said.