Lake County Gazette

State Representative Martin McLaughlin, alongside a group of suburban leaders, spoke out against Governor J.B. Pritzker's proposal to eliminate the state's 1% grocery tax. The leaders expressed concerns that such a move would strip their communities of essential funding for public safety, roads, and various services. McLaughlin, a Republican and former village president of Barrington Hills, emphasized the significance of the grocery tax revenue for local programs, stating, "The grocery tax receipts never actually get to the governor’s desk, or to Springfield. They remain in our local communities and are the lifeblood of many important programs."

McLaughlin further criticized the proposal, denouncing it as a "political shell game." The representatives' stance underscores their belief that the elimination of the grocery tax would have detrimental effects on the sustainability of crucial services within their respective communities.

The press conference, held to address the potential repercussions of Governor Pritzker's initiative, highlighted the diverging opinions and concerns of local leaders regarding the allocation of tax revenues and the impact on essential services. The debate surrounding the proposal continues as stakeholders weigh the implications of the suggested tax policy change on suburban areas in the state.