We Must Commit To Lowering The Cost of Living in Illinois

January 23, 2026

During remarks earlier this month at the City Club of Chicago, Speaker Welch claimed that Democrats are working to bring down the cost of living. That statement is difficult to square with reality, given how much Democratic policies have increased costs for Illinois families over just the past year.

Since May of last year alone, Democrats have driven up the cost of living through a series of tax hikes and expensive policy decisions.  Democrats: 

  • Passed the largest budget in Illinois history at over $55 billion, which included more than $700 million in new taxes.
  • Pushed through a green energy giveaway that is projected to saddle Illinois families with an $8 billion increase in utility rates.
  • Opened the door to higher tolls and allowed for a new RTA sales tax hike in their mass transit bailout bill.

If Democrats are serious about addressing affordability, they should start by acknowledging their own role in making life more expensive for working families. While Democratic leadership continues to raise taxes, increase costs, and add more unnecessary fees, House Republicans have offered real solutions to help ease the burden.

State Rep. Mike Coffey has supported several bills that would lower the cost of living through property tax relief:

HB1496: The valuation of property in any general assessment year may not exceed 101% of the value of the property in the previous tax year if the property is residential. This bill caps home assessment valuations.

HB3580: Taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 for all qualified property. This bill will expand the senior property tax freeze and offer seniors much needed relief.

HB3724: A total tax bill for property receiving the General Homestead Exemption may not exceed 103% of the total property tax bill for the property for the immediately preceding taxable year. This measure ensures property tax increases have caps.

A full list of legislation Rep. Coffey supports that would move Illinois forward can be found here.

Illinois families do not need more speeches about affordability, they need Democrats to take ownership and reverse their course.