Chicago conservative activist Tim Jones has a simple, straightforward philosophy when it comes to the state’s system of taxation.
“No tax is a good tax, especially if it harms people and they can’t move forward in life,” Jones told Chicago City Wire. “Taxes in Illinois are already too high.”
Jones argues that the state implementing 21 new taxes and fees on July 1 will not do anything to help the situation. Among the new taxes is the doubling of the state’s gas tax to 38 cents per gallon, handcuffing the average Illinois motorist with at least $100 more in annual motor-fuel costs.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
The plan is all part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s efforts to generate additional funding for his $45 billion capital spending plan, leaving Illinois with one of the heaviest overall gas tax burdens in the country. And things could get worse before they get better, as the new gas tax law is tied to inflation, meaning it could automatically spike based on the condition of the overall economy.
“It’s a no-brainer and no one likes it,” Jones said. “As far as the public goes, they’re moving out at a rapid pace. You have to look at the consensus. It’s horrible; they’re being pushed out for the fact they can’t afford to live here anymore.”
According to Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois' population has decreased in each of the last five years with the primary reason cited being that taxes are too high.
“When you get to a certain plateau and you can’t afford to live where you're at, you have to move out,” Jones said. “It’s hard.”
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