Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt questioned on May 15 whether Democrats in the state legislature will fulfill their promise to reduce the cost of living for residents. With two weeks left in the spring session and a new budget proposal released, Schmidt said that there has been little progress on legislation aimed at making life more affordable for families and businesses.
The issue of affordability is significant as many Illinois residents continue to express concerns about high property taxes, gas taxes, and energy rates. House Republicans have introduced several bills designed to provide relief but say that the majority party has not taken meaningful action on these proposals. “Due to poor public policy, Illinois now has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. We must reverse course and craft policies that keep families and businesses here in Illinois because our state continues to see people flee to neighboring states to save money,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt also addressed his support for HB4294, a bill intended to increase revenue allocated to local governments through Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) share rates. He argued this would provide greater stability for communities across Illinois, particularly those affected by historic property tax increases such as Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis.
In addition, Schmidt recognized Good Morning Cafe in Millstadt as his ‘Business of The Month’ for April. During a visit with owners Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez, he presented them with an official certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives. “It was a pleasure to meet Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez to learn more about the family-owned business here in Millstadt,” said Schmidt.
Looking ahead, Schmidt highlighted other issues including high combined state and local tax rates in Illinois compared with other states—a concern he says drives residents away—and called attention to educational initiatives such as encouraging participation in federal scholarship tax credit programs now adopted by several states.
Schmidt represents the 114th District after being elected in 2023 as a Republican replacing LaToya Greenwood, according to Ballotpedia.
