Chicago is planning to distribute $12.5 million in transportation relief for low-income residents in an effort to combat increasing gas prices in the state, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on March 31. The announcement of the program, called Chicago Moves, comes as gas prices continue to soar across the United States leaving Americans forking out more at the pump. According to data from the automotive group AAA, the national gas average as of April 1 is $4.215, up from $2.876 a year ago but Illinois residents are paying an average of $4.46 at the pump, compared to the national average. Gas in the state was $3.868 a month ago and $3.083 a year ago. “The last two years have been exceedingly difficult for many of our residents, in particular our most vulnerable populations,” said Lightfoot in announcing the program. “Through the pandemic, we have collectively faced tragedy, and many among us have faced accompanying economic hardship. Now, as inflation steadily …