When it comes to staying warm and enjoying time outdoors, Illinois House Democrats seem determined to make it as expensive as possible. First came their massive energy rate hike last fall. Now, Representative Murri Briel and House Democrats are proposing legislation that would allow municipalities to charge a fee just for lighting a campfire. 

House Bill 4459 would open the door for local governments to impose a $5 charge on open burns, including campfires. For families, campers, and anyone simply trying to enjoy the outdoors, this is effectively another tax on everyday life. 

AFFORDABILITY
How Much Longer Will Governor Pritzker Lie About His Record On Affordability? This week on the I’ve Had It podcast, Governor JB Pritzker once again claimed he is fighting to lower taxes for working and middle-class families. Illinois families know that claim simply does not match reality.

Just last year, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest budget in state history, totaling more than $55 billion and including roughly $700 million in new taxes. 

This week on the I’ve Had It podcast, Governor JB Pritzker once again claimed he is fighting to lower taxes for working and middle-class families. Illinois families know that claim simply does not match reality.

Just last year, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest budget in state history, totaling more than $55 billion and including roughly $700 million in new taxes. 

After promising to return to Springfield to work for their districts and address affordability, House Democrats spent the first week of session doing anything but.

On the opening day of session, Democrats were in the chamber for less than 30 minutes. The following day was consumed almost entirely by politically motivated resolutions attacking federal law enforcement, resolutions that did nothing to lower costs for Illinois families, or address the affordability crisis Democrats themselves created. 

AFFORDABILITY
House Republicans Prioritize Affordability for Illinois Families. As legislative session resumed in the Illinois House this week, House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol to talk about their session priorities. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie stood beside Assistant Leader Amy Elik and State Representative Joe Sosnowski to talk about delivering affordability to Illinois families.

“House Republicans have long focused on reining in spending, providing real tax relief for hardworking families, and creating opportunities for growth,” said Leader McCombie. “What is new is hearing House Democrats suddenly embrace the word ‘affordability.’ Here’s the problem: you can’t have affordability without accountability.” 

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. 

AFFORDABILITY
Republicans Will Continue to Expose and Oppose Bad Policy. As lawmakers in the Illinois House prepare to return to legislative session next week, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has set expectations as to where her caucus’ priorities will be when the House convenes on January 20th.

At a recent City Club of Chicago event, Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch said the legislature is focused on “bringing down the cost of living,” and suggested that meeting the everyday needs of Illinoisans takes precedence over requests for new high-profile projects like a Bears stadium.