In fact, taxpayers are already feeling the effects of Springfield’s fiscal recklessness. Earlier this year, Democrats rammed through nearly $1 billion in new taxes on a variety of things, such as sports betting, hotel and short-term rentals, cell phones, tobacco, and more.
One of the major issues this veto session is the looming funding crisis facing Chicagoland’s transit agencies under the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Years of mismanagement and low ridership have left Chicagoland transit with a funding gap estimated as high as $202 million. Democrats have already signaled their desire to utilize tax increases as a way to address this crisis.
One of those tax increase proposals was seen during the spring legislative session, in which Democrats proposed a $1.50 delivery tax on every single package and delivery made to homes across Illinois. Taxpayers from Dixon to Carbondale would be on the hook for this added tax to cover a cost created by bad leadership in Chicago.
“The proposed delivery tax is a non-starter for House Republicans,” said Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond. “Instead of reining in spending, Illinois Democrats want to put an additional burden on some of our most vulnerable populations who rely on home delivery services, such as the elderly, disabled, and fixed-income households. Democrats need to get their priorities straight. They should be working with us to reduce the high cost of living, not piling on more expenses.”
But the threat to Illinois taxpayers goes beyond transit. Democrats and environmental interest groups are once again pushing green energy policies that will result in more fees and higher energy bills. From adding a surcharge on energy bills to fund battery storage to imposing more efficiency mandates, these proposals would be anything but ‘green’ for Illinois families.
Another proposal that may see a comeback to cover these radical policies is a service tax, which would target over 80 everyday services, including hair salons, dry cleaning, car repair, riding services, landscaping, streaming, plumbing, home repair, and more. This sweeping proposal would drive up the cost of living statewide – hitting small businesses and working families the hardest.
“Illinois is already hemorrhaging families and businesses due to poor leadership in Springfield,” said Deputy House Minority Leader Ryan Spain. “An additional tax on essential services would only push more people out of our state due to the ever-expanding tax burden crushing Illinois taxpayers.”
Illinoisans should remain vigilant for other unexpected frights during veto session. New ideas for tax increases and radical policies can appear at any time in Springfield. Regardless of what Illinois Democrats propose during veto session, the Illinois House Republican Caucus remains united in the fight for common-sense, fiscally responsible public policy.
“House Republicans are committed to lowering the tax burden on Illinois families,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. “With the high cost of living in our state, there is simply no room for a tax hike. We need responsible spending and reasonable reform.”