Democrats in Illinois passed a law Saturday requiring private-sector retailers to place stickers on gas pumps noting a “tax relief” measure included in the price…or pay a fine.
Indeed, the budget bill will require gas stations to post stickers on pumps noting that an inflationary gas tax increase of about 2.2 cents per gallon that is scheduled to go into effect on July 1st has been suspended for six months.
Retailers that refuse must pay a daily fine of $500. Retailers that refuse to post the stickers through election day, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker and all state legislative seats are on the ballot, will face fines of over $65,000, the Center Square reports.
The stickers will read: “As of July 1, 2022, the State of Illinois has suspended the inflation adjustment to the motor fuel tax through December 31, 2022. The price on this pump should reflect the suspension of the tax increase.”
Josh Sharp of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association called the forced sticker notice unconstitutional.
“This industry won’t be forced into offering free election year advertising for the Governor," Sharp said. "Ordering businesses to take part in speech that is compelled by the government under the threat of fines and criminal penalties is unwise and unconstitutional.”
