Illinois House Republicans are calling out Democrat-led state leadership for failing to act on legislation aimed at reducing what is now considered the highest overall tax burden in the United States. Despite a package of GOP-sponsored tax relief bills introduced this session, none have gained traction in the General Assembly.
Among the proposed reforms are changes to the state’s estate tax and a reduction or elimination of licensing fees for small businesses. Lawmakers behind the initiative say the current tax structure is driving families, retirees, and employers out of the state.
“Illinoisans know well that we shoulder the highest overall tax burden of any state in the nation,” said state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore. “That crushing tax burden has been driving families, seniors and businesses out of our state for years.”
A recent report ranked Illinois dead last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia for overall effective state and local tax rates. It also ranked 50th in real estate taxes and 47th in income taxes. Illinois’ average property tax rate stands at 1.95%—second highest in the nation—with homeowners in Lake County paying a median of $8,609, compared to just $694 in Pulaski County near the Kentucky border.
State Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Kankakee, criticized the inaction as Illinois families struggle with high taxes and limited economic opportunity. “Hardworking men and women are the ones who will suffer the most if we don’t get our house in order and start focusing on passing good public policy to make it easier to live in Illinois,” Haas said.
Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, also condemned the Pritzker administration’s spending priorities, particularly the billions allocated to provide free health care to undocumented immigrants. “We’ll spend billions of Illinois taxpayer dollars on people who are not residents of Illinois to give them free health care—no premiums, no co-pays, no cost out of pocket whatsoever,” Sosnowski said.
The 104th General Assembly is set to continue through the end of May, but Republicans warn that unless meaningful tax relief is passed, Illinois risks further economic decline and population loss.
