Governor J. B. Pritzker is continuing to attack local control. From mandates on green energy projects to his proposed one-size-fits-all zoning policies, local leaders are seeing their voices pushed aside. Communities across Illinois are unique, and decisions about development, infrastructure, and growth should be made by the people who know those communities best — local officials and residents.
State government ignores the realities facing different regions of Illinois.
Illinois House Republicans say Governor J.B. Pritzker’s housing proposals will give local control to state politicians.
House GOP pushes Pritzker for local control
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and Representative Kevin Schmidt (114th-Millstadt) today announced the passage of two bills focused on government transparency and supporting Illinois veterans.
House Bill 2137 requires local governments that already maintain a public website to post information directing residents to where audit and financial reports can be accessed through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office.
“Taxpayers deserve easy access to information about how their local governments are operating financially,” said Senator Harriss. “This bill strengthens transparency and public confidence by making important financial reports easier for citizens to find and review.”
The General Assembly also passed House Bill 4385, which allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same terms as the first set.
“This legislation is a simple way to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Representative Schmidt. “Many veterans own more than one qualifying vehicle, and this bill ensures they can extend that recognition to a second vehicle.”
Both bills now head to the governor’s desk for consideration.
Rep. Schmidt Donates Monthly Pay Raise to Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden
New Baden, IL…State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has pledged to donate the legislative pay raise he voted against to different local organizations throughout his district to help families in need. This month, he donated a variety of essential items including toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, and canned chicken to the food pantry at Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden.
“I’m proud to support local food pantries across my district and help families in need,” said Rep. Schmidt. “These donations not only support a great cause, but they also give me the opportunity to meet new constituents and learn more about the communities I represent.”
Members from Zion United Church of Christ do tremendous work serving the New Baden community, focusing on caring for neighbors in need. On the first Friday of every month, the church distributes boxes of food to families who need extra help with groceries.
Every Tuesday, the clothing pantry is open to the public for anyone in need of clothing, shoes, jackets, small household items, and more! Hours are open for collections from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
My office will be hosting several outreach events over the summer.
State Rep. Kevin Schmidt is hosting several outreach events over the summer for his constituents. These events are designed to benefit families and spread across the 114th District. Watch the brief video below to see where Team Schmidt will be this summer!
Illinois’ Combined State, Local Tax Rate Tops the Country
Illinoisans continue to pay the highest combined state and local tax rate in the country, according to WalletHub.
Effective state and local tax rates totaled almost 17% for a median Illinois household last year, compared with the national average of just over 11.02% and higher than No. 2 New York, at 14.95%.
The median amount of state and local taxes for an Illinois household was $12,538 last year, fourth-highest in the country. The national median was around $8,949. (These amounts use a different household measurement.)
Illinois’ burden is driven by property, sales and excise taxes that exceed national averages and those in neighboring states.
Property taxes are especially high, with an effective rate of 1.92% of the value of a typical home, more than double the national median of 0.89%.
Sales taxes are also elevated in Illinois, with a 6.25% state rate and a nearly 9% combined state and local rate on average.
Read more from the Illinois Policy Institute.
Democrats in Illinois Pushing Proposals Targeting Natural Gas Appliances
This week, lawmakers discussed legislation tied to gas stoves and other natural gas appliances. Instead of focusing on affordability and lowering costs for working families and businesses, Democrats used their time debating new regulations on how Illinois residents use natural gas to cook and heat their homes. There is no question that increased regulations will force manufacturers to raise the costs for consumers . Illinois should focus on making energy more affordable and reliable, not creating additional regulations that raise costs.
One proposal would require warning labels on certain natural gas appliances sold in Illinois, including gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters.
Another idea they have is crafting legislation to create the “Appliance Standards Act”- this would give the state environmental agencies authority to establish new efficiency standards for appliances sold in Illinois. Democrats argue indoor gas combustion can contribute to air pollution inside homes, but Republicans say consumers should decide how they heat their homes, receive hot water, and cook their meals. Illinoisans don’t want government telling them what to do in their own homes!
Republicans support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that protects affordability, reliability, and consumer freedom.
Legislation allowing felons to vote from prison
Illinois Democrats are advancing legislation that would allow certain incarcerated felons to vote while serving their sentences. Critics argue that granting voting privileges to inmates diminishes accountability and disregards the impact crimes have on law-abiding citizens and victims.
One provision of the proposal would require local election authorities to coordinate with correctional institutions and the Illinois Department of Corrections to assist eligible incarcerated individuals in casting ballots by mail. Supporters say the measure expands voting access, while opponents contend it changes longstanding standards regarding voting eligibility during incarceration.
Session adjourns in one week and House Republicans are still waiting to see legislation that lowers the cost of living for working families
Rising costs are driven by Illinois’ high cost of government.
- Illinois families face rising costs for housing, energy, groceries, insurance, and transportation.
- Affordability has worsened under Governor Pritzker and House Democrats, while neighboring states remain more competitive.
- Illinois consistently ranks among the highest property-tax states in the nation.
Fees and taxes continue to creep up, disproportionately impacting middle-class families and small businesses. From increased tolls, to sales tax increases and fee hikes, Illinois families are seeing costs increase in every direction.
Families and businesses need relief now. They don’t need another record-breaking budget that will drive costs up even more with additional taxes. Illinois Democrats must stand by their word and deliver legislation that brings affordability back to Illinois or residents and job creators will continue to flee if we don’t stop overtaxing them.
Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.
Not sure if you live in this district? Find your Representative here.
