Beginning July 1, Illinoisans will again be paying more when they check out at the supermarket as the state’s grocery tax returns on July 1. Last summer, the short-term suspension of the one percent sales tax took effect as part of a series of temporary relief measures ahead of a major election. While Senate Republicans advocated for permanent relief for the residents of Illinois, the Majority Party only provided election-year gimmicks.

July’s tax increase comes despite Senate Republican attempts this year to provide long-term relief with Senate Bill 1150, which would have made Illinois the 38^th state to permanently do away with the state grocery tax. It would have also exempted prescription drugs and other medical devices from state sales tax.