McLean County Times

The McLean County Republican Party is alerting Illinoisans to rising taxes beginning July 1. 

"TAXES RISE AGAIN, THANKS TO DEMOCRATS! (How much of your money is enough?)” the McLean County Republican Party said on Facebook. “Illinois residents are preparing to face a series of tax increases that will go into effect on July 1, signaling higher costs across various aspects of daily life.” 

The party also announced that beginning the first day of the following month the state's grocery tax will be reinstated, as well as "an increase in the motor fuel tax, doubled fees for coroners and real estate transactions, and local sales tax hikes in multiple municipalities," will be happening. The McLean County Republican Party also warned that such "tax adjustments will impact consumers, businesses, and county services, leaving individuals and communities to navigate the financial implications.” 

Starting Saturday, July 1, two taxes on essential items in Illinois are set to increase. The state's gas tax will rise by 3.1 cents per gallon, bringing the total tax to 45.4 cents, marking the second increase in the motor fuel tax this year, according to The Center Square. Additionally, the state's 1% tax on groceries, which was temporarily suspended during last year's election cycle, will be reinstated. Governor J.B. Pritzker defended the reinstatement, citing the need for local government funding, while critics argue that the tax increases place a burden on residents who are already facing high property taxes. The state's recently approved fiscal year 2024 budget also includes other fee increases.

Illinois implemented a gas tax increase on Jan. 1, adding 3.2 cents per gallon of gas, resulting in the state having the second-highest gas tax in the United States after California. The State Motor Fuel Tax in Illinois is currently set at $0.423 per gallon of gasoline and $0.498 per gallon of diesel fuel until June 30, Mahomet Daily reported.

The end of the one-year suspension of the grocery tax, implemented by Pritzker during his election year, is notable given the overwhelming majority of states don’t tax food. Despite discussions on making the tax suspension permanent, the majority of state lawmakers opted against joining the majority of states that do not tax groceries at all. According to Illinois Policy, only 13 states in total taxing groceries and Illinois is the only among the 10 most populous states to impose a tax on groceries.