State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is urging lawmakers to return to Springfield for a special session to suspend the motor fuel tax and address the pro-criminal SAFE-T Act. With gas prices on the rise and criminals scheduled to be set free without having to pay cash bail come January 1, 2023, Caulkins says it’s time for lawmakers to get back to the capitol and address the important issues facing Illinois taxpayers.
“Instead of giving criminals a financial break with no cash bail, how about we give taxpayers a break at the pump and suspend the motor fuel tax.” said Rep. Caulkins. “We were elected to represent our constituents, we need to get back to work and address the important issues facing the state. Suspending the gas tax and eliminating no cash bail for criminals are two pressing issues that need to be fixed.”
Aimed at reducing gasoline prices, Rep. Caulkins co-sponsored HB 5732 to save motorists up to .44 cents per gallon for four months, beginning 30 days after the legislation is signed into law. According to AAA, the average cost of gasoline per gallon in Illinois is $4.38 today compared to the national average of $3.86 per gallon. Last week, the average cost per gallon was $4.13 per gallon, .25 cents cheaper per gallon.
To make our communities safer, Caulkins co-sponsored legislation (HB 4497, HB 4499, and HR 598) to repeal the anti-public safety law called the SAFE-T Act. If the SAFE-T Act is not repealed by January 1, criminals arrested for violent crimes such as arson, aggravated battery, burglary, drug deals, kidnapping, robbery, and felony murder could be back on the street following their arrest without having to pay cash bail.
Rep. Caulkins added, “Once the SAFE-T Act goes into full effect, this will severely put the safety of our communities at risk as criminals will be put back on the street within hours of being arrested. The longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be on our judicial system as this law creates a lot of uncertainty. The legislature needs to get this done sooner than later. Waiting until after the election is not a good option.”
The Illinois General Assembly is not scheduled to return to work until November 15, which is why State Representative Dan Caulkins is requesting lawmakers to return to Springfield immediately to address the important issues concerning public safety and record gas prices.