05/02/2026
High energy prices are hitting families across our region hard. When utility bills rise, it is working families, seniors on fixed incomes, farmers, and small businesses who feel it first.
During times like this, I believe Illinois should seriously assess temporary emergency tax relief on energy bills to help ease the burden on residents. This would not be a permanent fix or a political gimmick. It would be targeted, temporary relief during a period when people are being stretched thin.
At the same time, we need to look long term at why costs are rising and how Illinois can strengthen its energy independence, improve reliability, and protect consumers from constant rate increases.
Families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on, filling their gas tank, buying groceries, or paying for medicine. Legislators needs to take affordability seriously, and that starts with putting working people first.
Since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, gas prices have risen by well over $1 nationwide, and in March, they jumped up by nearly 21% compared to the previous month, the Associated Press reported. Just this past week, prices rose an average of 56 cents per gallon in Illinois.
