State Rep. Kevin Schmidt Says Cutting Funds to Local Municipalities and Counties is a Bad Idea
SPRINGFIELD, IL…State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is raising concerns over a proposal from Governor JB Pritzker to keep the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) share rate flat at 6.23% for FY27. Schmidt warns that the move could shift the burden onto local taxpayers and force communities to make difficult financial decisions. Schmidt argues that local governments should not be penalized for years of fiscal mismanagement at the state level, cautioning that stagnant LGDF funding could lead to higher property taxes.
“Our local municipalities and counties deserve a full 10% share of LGDF revenue to ensure they can keep delivering essential services,” said Schmidt. “Capping the share rate at just 6.23% opens the door for higher property taxes and places even more burdens on families and communities that are already struggling to make ends meet.”
The LGDF is a revenue sharing policy established in 1969 that allocates a percentage of state income taxes for investments in essential programs and services such as police departments, roads, and infrastructure.
The Illinois Municipal League (IML) has stated this reduction in shared revenue forces local governments to consider raising property taxes or cutting services to make up for the loss.
State Representative Kevin Schmidt is a cosponsor on HB4294, legislation that would increase the percentage of revenue allocated to the LGDF and provide more stability for local governments across Illinois.
House Republicans Demand Accountability Following Tragic Murder of Police Officer
According to the Chicago Police Department, Alphanso Talley has now been charged in the heinous murder of a Chicago police officer and the attempted murder of another officer, along with a long list of additional felony charges.
At the time of this horrific attack, Talley was wanted on three warrants, was on parole in two separate cases, and had a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2017.
Yet earlier this year, Governor JB Pritzker and Speaker Chris Welch praised the SAFE-T Act as sound and effective policy. Now Illinois families are left asking how a repeat violent offender with this record was free to take a police officer’s life and leave another in critical condition….read more.
“Every citizen of Illinois deserves to live free of fear as they live, work, and raise a family. The SAFE-T Act has made communities less safe and criminals even more brazen. We must repeal this law and prioritize the safety of Illinois residents.”
– State Rep. Kevin Schmidt
I cosponsor HB5757, legislation that ensures individuals who commit a new felony while on pretrial release are no longer allowed to remain in the community.
Tire Recycling Event
FREE Tire Recycling Event coming to Smithton Community Park on May 9! If you or someone you know has car tires, mower tires, or even tractor tires, stop by the park this Saturday and we will safely dispose them!
Contact my District office with questions : 618-215-1050
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Address: Smithton Community Park
Mobile DMV Sign-Up
Residents in need of basic vehicle services provided by the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can take advantage of the Mobile Services Event hosted by State Rep. Kevin Schmidt!
Community honors Class of 2026 enlistees during America’s 250
It was an honor to speak at the Second Annual Our Community Salutes Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at First Baptist Church in O’Fallon.The event celebrated 51 high school seniors from the Class of 2026 who have committed to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
To all of the seniors who will serve our country, you are now part of a long line of American patriots who have worn the stars and stripes and put country above self.
Thank you for answering the call to serve. May God protect you on your journey, and may God continue to Bless the United States of America!
No Tax on Tips and Overtime
Illinois families and businesses have been hit with dozens of tax increases since 2019 and need financial relief. Our state can lower the cost of living for Illinois residents at the state level, but we must have bipartisan support. House Republicans support “No Tax on Tips and Overtime”– a federal policy that would immediately bring relief to individuals in Illinois.
Illinois needs to opt in but has not yet.
Our neighboring states have adopted these tax breaks, but Illinois joined California and New York continue to tax tips and overtime. I encourage the Governor to opt into this policy that helps taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money.
Illinois House Republicans Are Fighting For Tax Relief
Illinois families pay the highest property tax rates in the nation. Illinoisans are taxed out. That’s why we’ve introduced a collection of legislation to provide real tax relief to working families and make Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, learn and grow.
“These high tax rates place an unfair burden on Illinois families who are already contending with the rising costs of essentials. We need to do more to provide relief for our residents so they can thrive here in Illinois.”
– State Rep. Kevin Schmidt
Despite the governor’s claim that he has “lowered taxes on working-class people in this state,” the facts tell a very different story.
- According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois residents are paying an average of $1,434 more per person in taxes than before Governor Pritzker took office.
- Compared to 2019, Illinois now collects $18 billion more from taxpayers, a 51% increase.
- Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has enacted at least 49 tax and fee hikes on Illinois families and businesses.
On July 1 the state tax will hit almost 50 cents a gallon.
DOJ seeking Illinois voter data to purge suspected noncitizens, documents suggest
Johnson, municipal leaders statewide clash with Pritzker over local funding cuts
Senate GOP counters progressive message
Under Pritzker, Illinois near the bottom in job growth
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