Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed elimination of the natural gas utility tax wouldn't save Illinois households much money -- but it could be a boon to large agricultural companies. David Kolata, executive director of the Citizen Utility Board, a utility watchdog, told the Springfield State-Journal Register that most Illinois families would see $35 to $40 total annual savings. However, the tax could save much more for big industries, including large-scale agricultural companies that use natural gas to dry grain.

Quinn proposed eliminating the tax in his "State of the State" address last week. "This tax is an unfair, regressive tax that is not based on the ability to pay," Quinn said in the speech. "The elimination of this tax will save money for households and cut costs for employers across Illinois."