Illinois Republicans said on April 15 that families in the state are struggling with high taxes, while Governor J.B. Pritzker and House Democrats are proposing additional tax increases during the current legislative session.
The announcement comes as Illinois residents face what is described as a significant financial burden, especially around Tax Day. The Republican caucus criticized recent proposals from House Democrats, which they say would add to the state’s already high property and overall tax rates.
According to the release, Illinois homeowners pay the highest property taxes in the country, and WalletHub ranks Illinois as having the highest overall tax rates nationwide. The statement also says that since taking office, Governor Pritzker has enacted 49 separate tax and fee hikes. Last year alone, he signed a budget that included $700 million in new taxes.
In response to these developments, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie filed HB 5017 this year. The bill aims to lower income tax rates for Illinois families. “At a time when families need real relief, Republicans are working to make life more affordable while Democrats keep piling on the tax hikes,” McCombie said.
Dave Severin is among those supporting these efforts; Severin was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’s 116th District in 2023 after replacing David Friess according to Ballotpedia.
The debate over taxation highlights ongoing divisions between parties about how best to address affordability for working families across Illinois.
