In this issue:
- Taxes on campfires and carryout bags?
- Meeting with advisory groups
- Governor’s budget address coming up on Wednesday
- Illinois headlines
Taxes on campfires and carryout bags?
Every year it seems the Democrats who run Springfield find a way to raise taxes on Illinoisans. This year is shaping up to be no different, with at least two more proposed tax increases making their way through the legislative process. Both of these are real head-scratchers: a proposed tax on campfires and another proposed tax on carryout bags.
The campfire tax, House Bill 4459, would allow governments to charge $5 on open burns, including campfires. For those who camp or just like to enjoy the outdoors on a crisp evening, this is another tax on everyday life. Last year legislation was passed which will drive up energy prices, thus making it more expensive to keep warm indoors. This proposed tax would drive up the cost of keeping warm outdoors too!
But the bad ideas don’t stop there. Newly-proposed House Bill 5112 would impose a 10-cent tax per carryout bag beginning next year. The tax would then automatically increase by five cents each of the next three years. This tax, too, would add to the cost of living for everyday Illinoisans.
These new tax proposals make the Democrats’ talk about affordability ring very hollow.
Meeting with advisory groups
I am lucky to have a district which is home to so many active, engaged, constituents who are ready to share their knowledge and expertise in their fields. As we start a new legislative session, I got together with my local advisory groups to talk about what we can expect in the upcoming session, and what they would like to see us do in Springfield.
First up was law enforcement. I always value the limited time I get to spend with these folks. We had a great discussion about the Freedom of Information Act and the SAFE-T Act. I always value their input.
The next advisory committee we met with was energy. We had a great conversation about the challenges they’re currently facing in the energy sector, the exciting projects happening around the district, and the impact of SB25. Thank you to everyone who shared their insights and expertise—we appreciate your partnership and dedication to powering our communities forward!
I had a great meeting with our local government officials to discuss several important issues impacting our communities. We covered topics including FOIA, township consolidation, proposed new taxes for FY26 and funding priorities.
This was one of the most diverse groups I’ve had the opportunity to meet with — representing areas with populations as small as 500 residents all the way up to entire counties. While their communities may look different, the shared goal is the same: serving residents well and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I always appreciate the thoughtful conversations and the collaboration to ensure our local governments have a strong voice at the table.
Last but certainly not least were our local educators.
I had the opportunity to meet with our superintendents and principals to talk through some of the biggest issues facing our schools — funding, staffing challenges, and consolidation.
These conversations are incredibly important. Our school leaders are navigating complex decisions every single day, and their insight helps shape stronger, more effective policy. I’m grateful for their honesty, leadership, and continued commitment to doing what’s best for our students and communities.
Thank you for all you do — your leadership makes a difference!
Governor’s budget address coming up on Wednesday
On Wednesday at noon, Governor Pritzker will deliver his annual State of the State and budget address. We will hear his proposals for the upcoming fiscal year’s state budget, and his legislative agenda for the year.
I expect we will hear a lot of talk about affordability and lowering costs, but the proposed tax increases I mentioned above make me wonder how serious that talk will be. We need to hear concrete proposals for getting our spending under control and easing the burden on Illinois households. That begins with reducing taxes and reforming other bad policies that drive up costs.
Aside from our important budget concerns, I also hope to hear some willingness from the Governor to make changes to the SAFE-T Act to improve public safety. It would also be nice to hear him get behind some ethics reform proposals this year. House Republicans have put forward ideas to do all these things. This year, we need to work together to put them into law.
To watch the Governor’s speech live at noon on Wednesday, click here.
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,705,769,440. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $1.7 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Unemployment increased in 11 of 12 Illinois metro areas
Illinois remains top soybean-producing state in 2025
IDFPR announces new licensing system with 16 additional license types