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 and increase costs, House Republicans have offered real solutions to help ease the burden. One example is Representative Ugaste’s HB 9, which would provide meaningful property tax relief to Illinois homeowners.
Illinois families do not need more speeches about affordability, they need Democrats to take ownership and reverse their course.
