2 Illinois lawmakers eye scrapping gas tax

SPRINGFIELD — Two Democratic state representatives are introducing legislation to remove the sales tax Illinois places on gasoline.

Decatur Democrat Sue Scherer tells The (Springfield) State Journal-Register that her constituents are frustrated by high gas prices, which include a 6.25 percent state surcharge.

If it’s approved, the bill would remove the sales tax starting next July.

Most of the surcharge goes to the state, while other money goes to cities and counties.

Sue Hofer is a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Revenue.

She says the state’s 5 percent share of the gas tax brought in $779 million during the fiscal year that ended in June.

Marengo State Rep. Jack Franks is also sponsoring the bill. He says he hopes it goes before a committee during the fall veto session.