During his recent budget address, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that “everything is ‘too damned expensive.'” Republican lawmakers have agreed with the sentiment but criticized the governor for not acknowledging his own policies’ impact on affordability in Illinois.
The proposed state budget for the coming year totals $56 billion, which would be the largest in Illinois history and $1 billion more than last year’s spending plan. It includes $728 million in new taxes, fees, and revenue increases affecting families across the state. The proposal also calls for a $60 million reduction to the Local Government Distributive Fund, which some lawmakers argue could result in higher property taxes.
Republican legislators point to a pattern of increased spending and taxation since Governor Pritzker took office. They note that state spending has grown by $16 billion during his tenure and that tax collections per resident have risen by $1,434 compared to before he became governor. Since 2019, Illinois is collecting an additional $18 billion from taxpayers, and at least 49 tax or fee hikes have been enacted.
Recent proposals from House Democrats include new fees such as a campfire fee for outdoor recreation and a carryout bag tax starting at 10 cents per bag and rising to 25 cents by 2030, including reusable bags.
House Republicans say they are working on multiple bills aimed at providing property tax relief and improving affordability. Among these are several measures introduced by Representative Tom Weber—who was elected to represent the state’s 64th House District in 2019 after Barbara Wheeler (https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Weber)—as well as bills from Representatives Dan Ugaste and Ryan Spain targeting various forms of tax relief.
In his budget speech, Governor Pritzker emphasized “love” for Illinois. Critics responded that his record reflects “a love of higher taxes, more spending, and policies that are making our state less safe and less affordable.” They highlighted concerns over public safety following high-profile incidents involving repeat offenders out on electronic monitoring.
Lawmakers also cited approximately $2.5 billion spent on services for undocumented immigrants in Illinois, including free healthcare, driver’s licenses, college aid, and a proposed additional $110 million for healthcare benefits for undocumented seniors.
State Representative Norine Hammond commented on Governor Pritzker’s reaction to the Chicago Bears potentially moving to Indiana: “Taxer-in-Chief Pritzker’s sudden concern for Indiana taxpayers ignores the hardworking Illinois families that he has taxed to the max,” Rep. Hammond said. “For seven years now, Illinois families have absorbed billions in tax and fee hikes thanks to JB Pritzker. Where was the urgency then? The Governor doesn’t get to warn about tax hikes in another state while ignoring the massive tax hikes he’s imposed here at home.”
Governor Pritzker has previously supported measures such as doubling the gas tax (with future increases tied to inflation), approving an energy rate hike estimated at $8 billion for green energy initiatives, backing mass transit bailouts totaling nearly $500 million per year redirected from downstate road funds—which allowed toll increases—and supporting other significant fiscal changes.
Indiana recently passed Senate Bill 27 establishing a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority designed to attract the Chicago Bears NFL franchise with favorable terms similar to stadium authorities operating in Kansas and Tennessee. While Indiana advanced its legislation quickly, efforts in Illinois have stalled amid legislative debate over potential property tax breaks for professional sports teams.
Representative Dan Ugaste addressed both the issue facing the Bears franchise and what he described as a burdensome property tax system affecting residents statewide: “Property tax relief and reforms must be for all, and we must not pass up the opportunity to address this issue now!”
In other legislative developments, Chris Meister has been appointed as Illinois Auditor General following Frank Mautino’s decision to step down after ten years in office. Meister was previously executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority; his appointment was confirmed by a vote of 97-1-0 in the House.
At a Capitol news conference this week focused on jobs policy, State Representative Brandun Schweizer joined colleagues Dan Ugaste and Joe Sosnowski calling for pro-growth measures amid ongoing business closures throughout Illinois. Schweizer said: “Business owners across Illinois are being squeezed by rising costs, high taxes, increasing mandates, mounting fees, and long-term regulatory uncertainty. They’re not asking for special treatment—they’re asking for stability and predictability.” He filed two bills: one phasing out the corporate franchise tax beginning in 2027; another strengthening research-and-development incentives.
Schweizer added: “Affordability means whether family-owned businesses can survive… When businesses leave, jobs leave… It’s time to restore Illinois’ competitiveness.”
Representative Martin McLaughlin held a press conference alongside local mayors opposing Governor Pritzker’s housing proposal due to concerns about overriding local zoning authority. McLaughlin argued that local leaders best understand their communities’ needs: “This proposal from the governor is a one size fits all solution that doesn’t solve affordability… Zoning isn’t exclusionary… it is meant to protect community character.”
He warned that statewide mandates could disrupt infrastructure planning or change neighborhood character permanently: “Our local officials understand the unique needs of their towns… We must protect local decision-making.”
