Starting Today, Illinois Imposes Second-Highest Gas Tax, Enacts New Laws

Starting today (July 1), Illinois will have the second-highest gas tax rate in the nation. The motor fuel tax rises by two cents to $0.47 a gallon. The Illinois Policy Institute reported that with these changes, it will cost drivers $184 more per year to buy gas than it did in 2019. Aside from the gas tax, there are other notable state laws set to go into effect on July 1, including a minimum wage increase, sports wagering tax increase and changes to the paid time off law. Minimum Wage Increase Starting July 1, minimum wage workers in Chicago and Cook County will receive a raise. The base pay for these workers will now be $16.20 per hour. PTO Law Changes Changes to Chicago’s “Paid Time Off” laws will also take effect in July. Any employee working at least 80 hours within a 120-day period will be entitled to up to five days of paid leave and five days of paid sick leave. Tax Increase on Sports Wagering Effective July 1, the tax on sports wagering will increase. The current 15% flat tax will be replaced by a progressive rate of up to 35%. This change is projected to generate...