West Cook News

Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison is fed up with high gas prices and believes Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) is playing politics for establishing annual gas tax increases, but delaying this year's price hike until after the election.

According to AAA, the state average for a gallon of gas in Illinois as of Aug. 31 was $4.163. That price is up from $3.347 a year ago and above the national average of $3.841. In Cook County, gas prices average even higher at $4.642.

"Yes, today in Cook County, even with freeze on J.B. Pritzker's now yearly gasoline tax increase," Morrison, a Republican, tweeted with a picture of prices at the pump. "But don't worry the gas tax kicks back in right after the elections in November! Wake up folks. You get the failed policies you elect!"

Under Pritzker, the state gas tax doubled from 19 cents to 38 cents in 2019, according to Fox 32 Chicago. Pritzker also initiated an annual gas tax increase. Democratic lawmakers passed legislation to delay this year's scheduled increase until January.

The gas tax increase was included in a bundle of tax rebates and delays in the state's FY 23 budget, Illinois Policy reported. It's estimated the bundle will save the average family $556. 

A poll conducted by Victory Geek in late August showed Pritzker held an 18 point lead over Republican gubernatorial nominee Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) in the general election, according to FiveThirtyEight.