Quincy Reporter

Quincy activist Mecki Kosin is doing all she can to focus on what could be a silver lining in the state's accumulated levies of $2.1 billion in new taxes and added fees that kicked in July 1.

“I do believe that this might be the reason why there will be more people going to the polls, and perhaps participating in peaceful demonstrations between now and then,” Kosin told the Quincy Reporter. “It is clear that the ones supposedly representing us are only interested in representing themselves, and there will come a time when we will not take it any longer.”

Among the new taxes and added fees to take hold just before Independence Day were the doubling of the state gas tax to 38 cents per gallon, a $1-per-pack increase in cigarette taxes and a three-fold increase in the real estate transfer tax for non-Illinois residents.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

“If they would cut spending frivolously – like raises for people who don’t really need them, and other perks for themselves – we might be a little more inclined to tighten our belts a little more to help a good cause for everyone,” Kosin said.

The gas tax hike leaves Illinois residents saddled with the second-highest overall gas tax burden in the country, with the average motorist now expected to pay at least $100 more this year in motor fuel taxes as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s overall plan of generating $1.3 billion in added revenue. In all, lawmakers ended the spring session by passing legislation for $4.7 billion in new taxes and added fees, and there may still be more to come. 

Legislators also voted to place Pritzker’s so-called “fair tax” on the ballot in 2020 in the form of a referendum question for voters.

“Of course, this will burden the already over-burdened taxpayers, as where else is the money supposed to come from?” Kosin asked.