With continued population decline heading into an election year and just a little more than a year since Illinois voters rejected his progressive income tax, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to propose tax relief of nearly $1 billion during his budget address Wednesday.

The governor said he’ll deliver the address in person, as opposed to remotely as he did in 2021 out of concern of spreading COVID-19. State lawmakers are expected back Tuesday for their first session day since early January.

The Chicago Tribune reports the governor plans to offer tax relief totaling nearly $1 billion.

The relief could come by freezing the annual increase in gas taxes tied to inflation every July 1, as well as suspending the state's 1% sales tax on groceries. He also could offer property tax rebates up to $300. All actions would require approval by the state Legislature.

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