CAMPFIRE TAX
For Illinois Democrats, if families enjoy it, they will find a way to tax it. Whether it’s energy, transportation, or now even a campfire, their approach continues to make Illinois less affordable.
House Republicans remain committed this legislative session to real solutions that address affordability by reining in spending, cutting taxes, and opposing unnecessary taxes and fees like this one. Illinois families deserve relief, not another bill.
Learn more: The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Now Democrats Want to Tax Your Campfires
AFFORDABILITY
How Much Longer Will Governor Pritzker Lie About His Record On Affordability?
Last week on the I’ve Had It podcast, Governor JB Pritzker once again claimed he is fighting to lower taxes for working and middle-class families. Illinois families know that claim simply does not match reality.
Just last year, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest budget in state history, totaling more than $55 billion and including roughly $700 million in new taxes.
According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois is now taking $1,434 more in taxes from each resident than before Governor Pritzker took office. Compared to his first year in 2019, the state is collecting $18 billion more from taxpayers, an increase of 51 percent that far outpaces inflation.
And if that were not enough, Governor Pritzker has doubled down on unreliable green energy policies that are driving utility costs even higher. Earlier this year, he signed a green energy giveaway projected to saddle Illinois families with an estimated $8 billion rate hike.
So how can the Governor claim he is lowering costs for the middle class when Illinois ranks:
- #1 for highest property taxes
- #1 for highest combined state and local taxes
- #1 for highest cell phone taxes
Last year, WalletHub even ranked Illinois as the worst state in the nation for taxpayers because of its excessive tax burden.
So, despite the repeated claims from Governor Pritzker, the math just does not add up.
But while the Governor and Democrats continue to raise taxes on hardworking families, House Republicans are offering real solutions. For example, Representative Ryan Spain has filed House Bill 1383 to allow Illinois taxpayers to deduct tip income from their state taxable income, reducing the state tax on tips.
GRANTS
Applications for Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grants open in a couple weeks. These grants support food processing, aggregation, storage and distribution projects across the state. Illinois farms, cooperatives, processing facilities, food businesses, food hubs with 50 employees or less, nonprofits and local governments are eligible for the grant.
All applicants must pre-register before submitting an application.
Learn more here: Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant
FARMING
More farmers would qualify for federal loans under a new law proposed by two U.S. Reps from Illinois. Learn more: New bill would expand loan eligibility for American farmers | STLPR
Congratulations, Illinois Soybean Farmers!
Illinois soybean farmers are once again the top producers of soybeans in the U.S., with a harvest count of 639 million bushels in 2025. Congratulations to all of our farmers, especially those right here in District 105, for all that you do! We are extremely grateful and admire your dedication and sacrifice!
Learn more here: https://www.ilsoy.org/illinois-remains-top-producing-soybean-state-in-2025
HUNTING
Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to Illinois residents and families facing food insecurity. Thank you to the hunters who donated deer to the program this year and to the meat processors and food pantries who make the program possible.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
My prayers are with the sheriff’s deputy who was shot during a traffic stop last weekend in Peoria. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect. Thankfully the deputy is said to be recovering well after a successful surgery, but he faces a long recovery.
Learn more: Deputy shooting: Suspect charged with attempted murder
Charges Filed After Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Shot in the Line of Duty • Peoria County, IL
SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are now open for the Illinois Sheriff’s Association College Scholarship program! Download the application here: www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
New license types have been added to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation’s online licensing portal. These additional license types include:
- Massage Therapist
- Music Therapy Continued Education Sponsor
- Registered Dental Hygienist
- Restricted Shorthand Reporter
- Approved Shorthand Reporter CE Sponsor
- Professional Limited Liability Company
- Architect
- Enrolled Professional Engineer Intern
- Professional Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Enrolled Structural Engineering Intern
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Chiropractic Physician
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Learn more at the links below.