Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and State Representative Regan Deering held a press conference on Apr. 8 to address concerns about the cost of living in Illinois, which they say is worsened by current state policies. The lawmakers outlined their proposals to provide financial relief for families, focusing on taxes and fees controlled by the state government.
The issue of affordability is significant for many residents across Illinois, especially those in rural areas who face higher transportation costs due to longer travel distances. According to the Representatives, Illinois’ gas tax ranks as the second highest in the nation after it was increased to 48.3 cents last July.
Deering said that these costs are particularly hard on people outside urban centers: “Everyday people need relief. Relief from crushing taxes and the high cost of living, but under Gov. Pritzker’s regime, Illinoisans continued to be squeezed,” Deering said. “In February, the Governor proposed raising the state’s budget by $1 billion. Where does he think folks have money to spare to pay for yet another bloated budget that doesn’t offer any relief for hardworking Illinoisans? I can tell you the working people of Illinois can’t afford it.”
To address these concerns, Spain has filed House Bill 5738, which would introduce a six-month sales tax holiday on gasoline from July 1 through December 31, 2026. Spain said this measure would benefit both consumers and local economies: “After JB Pritzker and Democrats raided Downstate road funds for transit, Downstate taxpayers deserve relief,” Spain said. “Downstate has seen systemic disinvestment in our road and bridge infrastructure over the past several decades, but this taking escalated in a significant way when Democrats raided downstate road funds by seizing sales taxes on motor fuel and all market interest gained on unspent road funds to bail out mismanaged Chicago-area mass transit systems.”
Deering was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 88th House District in 2025 after replacing Dan Caulkins according to public records.
HB 5738 remains under consideration in committee alongside other Republican-sponsored measures aimed at addressing affordability issues across the state.
