Grocery Tax in Illinois; Poll Shows 7 in 10 Illinoisans Call for its Permanent Removal

Repealing the state grocery tax has garnered overwhelming support from 7 in 10 Illinois voters, as revealed by a recent poll conducted by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Illinois currently stands as one of only 13 states that impose a grocery tax, making this issue a significant point of contention for the state’s residents. (Photo: Detroit Mommies)

Suspension of Grocery Tax in Illinois

The impact of suspending the grocery tax for a year has not gone unnoticed, with shoppers saving an estimated $360 million during the tax suspension period.

This temporary reprieve was initiated by Governor J.B. Pritzker, who implemented the suspension from July 1, 2022, until July 1, 2023.

However, as of the latter date, the grocery tax has been reinstated, once again placing Illinois among the 13 states that levy a grocery tax. Notably, Illinois stands as the only state among the ten most populous states in the nation to impose such a tax on groceries.

Governor Pritzker cited inflation as the primary reason for granting temporary relief from the grocery tax. Despite the reprieve, food prices have continued to surge, leading to a notable 5.8% rise in the consumer price index for groceries from May 2022 to May 2023.

According to a published article, experts predict that by the end of 2023, this rate may hover between 4.5% to 7.4%, adding further strain on residents’ budgets.

READ ALSO: $20.9 Billion Property Tax Relief Bill For Teachers, Renters Announced In Texas

Poll Shows 7 in 10 Illinoisans Call for Grocery Tax Removal

Illinois currently stands as one of only 13 states that impose a grocery tax, making this issue a significant point of contention for the state’s residents.

The poll, which surveyed 800 registered voters in Illinois, highlighted that an impressive 70% of respondents favored the permanent elimination of the state’s grocery tax.

The survey was conducted from June 26 to June 29 and was carried out by Echelon Insights on behalf of the Illinois Policy Institute.

The lingering question remains: Why does Illinois persist in taxing its citizens on essential grocery items when two-thirds of the country do not? The state’s year-long experience without the grocery tax demonstrated that it was possible to function without this additional financial burden.

As Illinois voters make their voices heard, the fate of the grocery tax remains an important topic in the state’s ongoing political landscape.

READ ALSO: $20.9 Billion Property Tax Relief Bill For Teachers, Renters Announced In Texas