Chicago Businessman Donates $1 Million in Gas

Rising gas prices are affecting everyone, in pretty much all corners of the earth – and that includes both sides of the 49th parallel here in North America. Some governments have taken steps to help dull the pain, either with cash rebates or tax credits.

This is notably the case in California, where I am now. The state's governor, Gavin Newsom, has introduced an $11 billion relief plan that would see every vehicle owner receive a $400 credit to help absorb the rising cost of fuel and consumer goods. Tax vacations and transit funding are also on the table.

Some will see in these gestures attempts by politicians to influence voting habits during the next election, of course. We'll let you be the judge of that.

What's happening in the Chicago area, doesn’t’ really fall into the realm of vote-buying, however. There, a businessman by the name of Willie Wilson is offering motorists one free $50 fill-ups per vehicle, until the total reaches $1 million. About 50 gas stations in all participated in the giveaway.

As you can imagine, many drivers lined up to take advantage of the offer.

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