During a press conference, Speaker Welch praised Democrats' approach, stating:
"By using our processes and taking the time to listen and to get it right, we delivered finished products that were better than we could have ever imagined."
What Speaker Welch failed to mention was the lack of transparency, the suspension of House rules to take up bills quicker, and the fact that Illinois families will ultimately be left footing the bill.
As has become routine in Springfield, Democrats waited until the final hours of the legislative session to unveil their final budget and the tax hikes needed to support it. Then, when it came time to debate their revenue omnibus package containing $800 million in new taxes, House Democrats suspended the rules to rush it through even faster.
If these are the "products" Speaker Welch says are better than he could have imagined, Illinois families deserve an explanation.
Does he mean:
- A digital advertising tax that faces serious legal questions and may not survive a court challenge.
- A new tax on fantasy sports and prediction markets that takes more money out of the pockets of sports fans.
- A $200 million social media tax that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
- The largest budget in state history, built on higher taxes and more government spending.
House Republicans repeatedly called out Democrats' suspension of the rules on the House floor and unanimously opposed the massive tax hike package. While Democrats were focused on growing government, House Republicans stood with taxpayers demanding transparency, accountability, and relief from Illinois' crushing tax burden.