Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois state Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) has no appreciation for what she sees as the deceitfulness surrounding the so-called bag tax being proposed.

“I don’t think we need this,” Grant told the DuPage Policy Journal of the 10-cent tax on all carryout bags from retail establishments now being considered. “It’s just all part of the issue we have with over-regulation here in Illinois.  I think that’s why those supporting this bill thought they could just slide it in without much notice, just like they did with the gas tax.”

Grant is committed to making sure things are different this time around, imploring residents of her 42nd District and across the state to file witness slips speaking to their displeasure with the measure.

“People in Illinois are already at their wit’s end with worry about things like the value of their homes becoming stagnated or going down,” Grant added. “Then you have this so-called fair tax that’s causing even more friction. Little things like this just add to all the growing things that make Illinois more unattractive. It’s part of the reason why no one comes here anymore.”

Chicago already has a 7-cent tax on plastic tax and Gov. J. B. Pritzker has previously expressed support for a statewide tax on plastic bags. If the state were to adopt such a policy as the 10-cent proposal, it would be the only state in the country with such legislation in place, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“I will be following this bill closely and will use my E-newsletter to alert constituents that the witness slip portal is open,” Grant posted on her website.