The war in Iran, in driving up the cost of gas and exacerbating the affordability crisis, has created a perfect storm that could cause even more hardship for working-class families and those on fixed incomes. The promised tax refunds by President Donald Trump will likely be consumed by higher gas and food prices. Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly should provide relief for Illinois citizens by suspending the state portion of the gas tax for 60 days. Illinois’ combined motor fuel tax is 48 cents per gallon . Diesel fuel is taxed at 56 cents per gallon. Every municipality and county should also consider suspending their portion of the tax. With a relaxing of state, county and city gas taxes for 60 days, motorists could save nearly $1 per gallon. This would provide immediate relief to families facing heightened economic pressures. Also, suspending the gas tax would mitigate the rising price of goods and services over the short term from the increase in transportation costs. Clearly, the war is an emergency that has caused economic disruption for working-class families, senior citizens and those living paycheck to paycheck in Illinois. In addition to helping residents, rel
