Illinois Democrats Double Down on Expensive Final Day of Veto Session
Since I have been a State Representative, this is most expensive and reckless veto session I have seen, and it only hurts the hard-working taxpayers of Illinois. While most people were sleeping, the Illinois Democrats raised taxes by $10 billion within a matter of hours. For me, the most alarming legislation that passed both Houses, was SB 25- an energy bill that doesn’t help lower costs or retain reliability.
Democrats Pass Controversial Energy Legislation
One of the most expensive bills passed the last day of veto session was an energy bill that is clearly a environmental giveaway that gives unelected bureaucrats power to raise rates. Senate Bill 25 opens the door to an $8 billion hike in power bills, fewer jobs, and a less reliable energy supply.
I believe this bill was designed to give handouts to special interests and raise rates while families are already struggling to balance their budget at home. The measure also strips away local control by blocking counties from zoning battery projects- meaning communities have no say if a renewable project is built in their backyard.
“There is a smarter path forward in Illinois to produce cheap and efficient energy, but we have to look at the reality of our current situation and the red flags that point to higher demand and less production,” Coffey said. “When you look at the big picture, Illinois does not have the power to supply AI data centers, residential homes, and businesses. The economic reality of mandating electrification in Illinois is sinking in, and it’s created a financial burden on everyone in our state.”
House Republicans support an “all-of-the-above” energy plan that is realistic and will keep costs down. Reliable and affordable energy is vitally important for our state, but this is the third “green energy” project that is making energy rates skyrocket. Unfortunately, we could be taking advantage of coal and nuclear, but Democrats are gambling on unproven technology — and making ratepayers foot the bill for it. Families across Illinois deserve relief, but this bill will make energy more expensive and less reliable.
Controversial Transit Legislation Passes General Assembly
In the early hours of the day, Illinois Democrats turned a $230 million transit problem into a $2.5 billion tax hike. Senate Bill 2111 raised concerns over the timing and goal of the legislation. Their plan is to raise sales taxes by $480 million in Chicago and surrounding areas and sweep $1 billion from the road fund. This plan breaks the 2016 “lock box” promise that ensured road and bridge funds would be protected and now downstate residents will be hit with the majority of the new costs. In addition to sweeping road funds, individuals who use Illinois’ tollway system will see a 45-cent increase (60% for cars) and 30% for commercial vehicles. Even worse, the new toll structure is tied to inflation, so the rates will continue to rise year-after-year.
Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson continue to mismanage state and city governmental agencies and departments. The lack of accountability from supporting poor policies is hurting our state. The “new” Transit Governance Board consists of 20 members:
- 5 appointments from the Governor
- 5 appointments from the Chicago Mayor from the City of Chicago
- 5 appointments, 1 per collar county
- 5 appointments from suburban Cook County
This governing board should have included appointments from all four legislative leaders, in addition to the Governor.
Springfield Democrats Push Hidden Tax Hike by “Decoupling” Families and Businesses
Illinois taxes are some of the highest in the nation, including the corporate tax rate that is the 3rd highest out of 50 states. Now, progressive Democrats have a desire to “decouple” Illinois from federal tax relief that President Trump put in place. (Senate Bill 1911) will block families and businesses from benefits passed at the federal level. The provisions Democrats voted to block are designed to help businesses grow and recover from the pandemic. This move will no doubt send the wrong message to businesses looking to expand or relocate here.
Once again, Democrats chose to push back against the Trump Administration’s tax cuts to create over $211 million in new taxes on Illinois families and small businesses.
I believe this bill will hurt businesses who are trying to get ahead while dealing with high unemployment rates. We should be offering incentives to build and work in our state but this legislation sends a clear message: we are closed for business. Decoupling businesses and families will have a significant impact on our economy, and at a time where we need to grow, elected officials make it harder to survive in Illinois.
Illinois Democrats Pass More Legislation Protecting Illegal Immigrants
House Bill 1312, this legislation further restricts where immigration laws can be enforced. Democrats are targeting federal immigration officers (ICE) who are risking their lives to protect communities across the state of Illinois. The bill creates lawsuits against immigration agents and makes it more difficult for federal and local police to do their job. Essentially, this bill bans federal immigration officers from making civil arrests in courthouses, daycares, hospitals, and college campuses. Furthermore, it allows people (regardless of immigration status) to sue government agents for violations of their constitutional rights; includes punitive damages.
At the end of the day, Democrats are putting their energy into creating “safe zones” for illegal immigrants and crippling the relationships between local police and federal law enforcement. Rather than help federal authorities keep communities safe from criminal offenders, Illinois Democrats have unleashed attacks against the brave men and women who work around the clock to improve public safety.
We must restore law and order here in Illinois and keep our communities safe. It starts with supporting our law enforcement and crafting policies that make their job easier, not harder. I will continue to support efforts by law enforcement to protect the citizens of Illinois from criminal illegals.