Lyons Supports Suspension of State Gas Tax

July 1, 2000 

LaGrange . . . In an effort to lower skyrocketing gasoline prices in Illinois, State Representative Eileen Lyons (R-LaGrange) and the General Assembly convened in a Special Session on Thursday.  The result was a six-month suspension of the state’s portion of the sales tax on gasoline.

  "This is the best measure we could have taken to help ease the burden Illinois’ drivers are feeling right now,” said Lyons.  “Rolling back the sales tax for six months will, hopefully, be the first step in gas prices going down.”

  The six-month suspension will last from July 1, 2000 to January 1, 2001, and is expected to lower the cost of motor fuel by 9 to 11 cents per gallon.

  “This is the busiest season for drivers, with everyone going on vacation, and we could not allow the prices to continue to rise so high,” said Lyons.  “The gas in Illinois is already taxed so much by every county and city, it only made sense that during this critical time, the state suspend its own tax.  I am very pleased we were able to take this measure to help Illinois’ drivers.”

  To make sure that gas station owners do not take extra profit from the tax suspension, the legislation included that all pumps need to carry a notice of the suspension. 

  The legislation was passed by both houses of the General Assembly and was signed into law by the governor later the same day.

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