On Affordability, Democrats Say One Thing and Do Another

Throughout the spring legislative session, Democrats repeatedly claimed affordability was their top priority for Illinois families. But when it came time to deliver, they did what Illinois families have come to expect: said one thing and did another.

Instead of providing relief to working families struggling with rising costs, House Democrats passed the largest budget in Illinois history, a $55.9 billion spending plan propped up by $800 million in new tax hikes.

Before session began, Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch made affordability the centerpiece of Democrats' agenda:

January 6, 2026: "Everything's about affordability and that's going to be our focus."

January 20, 2026: "We're focused on affordability."

Then, after passing a record-setting budget packed with $800 million in new tax hikes, Speaker Welch declared victory:

June 1, 2026: "We focused on affordability."

June 1, 2026: "We need to continue our work on affordability."

For Illinois families already struggling with the highest taxes in the nation, Democrats' version of "affordability" has meant higher taxes, more spending, and bigger government.

Rather than cutting costs or providing meaningful relief, Democrats' budget includes:

• Diverting $150 million generated from the state sales tax on gas to fuel their excessive spending.
• Spending $110 million on healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants over the age of 65.
• Allocating $40 million for welcoming centers, continuing Illinois' red-carpet treatment of illegal immigrants.

While Democrats talked about affordability, House Republicans offered real solutions to lower costs for Illinois families. House Republicans championed legislation such as HB 4519, which would eliminate the state tax on tips, and HB 5611, which would provide property tax relief.