Rock Island Today

In the wake of newly elected Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s spate of new tax increases – including a 19-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax hike – conservative activists in Rock Island and across the state are crying foul.

Eliza Siep, a cosmetic sales rep, said she has made a common-sense decision about the rising fuel costs.

“I think it’s trash,” Siep told Rock Island Today of Pritzker’s new gas tax. “I’m driving over to Iowa to get my gas.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker | LinkedIn

Citing an “extremely high” frustration level among Rock Island residents, Siep said others are boycotting Illinois gas stations by crossing state lines to buy reasonably priced fuel. As a barometer of public sentiment, Siep mentioned that a colleague and members of her extended family are likewise driving to Iowa for its lower gasoline prices.

“It’s disgusting, an extreme abomination,” she said. “Where we live, we are hard-working Americans, and we don’t want to see socialism win. Personally, I’m going to start making moves to take care of my state and ultimately the country that I absolutely love.”

Siep credits capitalism, rather than the socialism and Marxism she said were at work in passing Pritzker's $41 billion state budget, as the reason the United States remains strong.

"Our country's the only one that will raise the rest of the world out of abject poverty," Siep stated. "And we will help with everything the world cares about. As far as climate change and things like that are concerned, the only way we are going to solve these issues is if we stay on it, stay involved and raise capitalism up."

Acknowledging that frustration with former Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, may have soured Republicans on voting in last November’s election, Siep said they are needed at the polls now more than ever.

“Rauner wasn’t the best option as far as the Republican party was concerned because he made a couple of decisions that were a little bit questionable,” Siep said. “But I would say come out, show your love and support, our country deserves it.”