Illinois state representatives are only in the Capitol for three days this month, but leaders on both sides of the aisle are making sure their caucuses are ready for a busy session.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives are only in the Capitol for three days this month, but leaders on both sides of the aisle are making sure their caucuses are ready for a busy session.

WAND News spoke with House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) and House GOP Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) to see what they hope to pass to lower the cost of living.

Affordability is the top issue for Democrats and Republicans in the Illinois House this session. 

Welch said he wants to address homeowner insurance rates as escrow payments continue to rise. Senate Democrats passed legislation in October to tackle skyrocketing home insurance rates, but the bill failed to gain enough support in the House. Gov. JB Pritzker has repeatedly said he's committed to getting the insurance regulation across the finish line.

"We're looking to see if there's some reform that's available that can get done in regards to homeowners insurance," Welch said. "The Secretary of State is also interested in doing something with regard to auto insurance rates. We're going to look at that. There's a lot of things that are available to us that we think will help put money back into people's pockets."

However, House GOP leaders said lawmakers can help Illinoisans by allowing people to benefit from President Donald Trump's economic policies. McCombie believes Illinois needs to pass bills banning taxes on tips and overtime. She would also like to see the House lower the state's corporate income tax and create a more competitive business climate.

"When Illinois already carries one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, affordability cannot be a political buzzword," McCombie said. "It has to be backed by responsible budgeting, smart tax policy and honest management."

Welch said he would like House Democrats to pass a plan this year to create a surcharge tax on millionaires. He explained that Massachusetts has a similar tax on millionaires that generates money for education. 

"It has passed by overwhelming margins by Illinoisans, most recently in November 2024," Welch said. "I think we should take that question and make it a binding referendum."

Yet, McCombie urged residents to be cautious about any plan Democrats bring forward for tax relief. She notes that Illinoisans voted against the graduated income tax in 2020, and neighboring states have shifted to a flat tax structure.

"We can't trust the Democrats on any deals. They just this last budget took out the $50 million for property tax relief under the education fund," McCombie said. "So no, we don't trust Democrats to give us any sort of property tax relief."

Welch said Democrats will also need to tackle the unpredictability of the Trump administration's funding cuts for Illinois.

"Every day, he wakes up with a new announcement. So when we build a budget, we try to build in some contingencies just in case for emergencies that may pop up because of the leadership we're seeing in Washington," Welch said. "We're going to continue to have to build a budget with that type of mind." 

Still, House Republicans argue the country is much stronger under President Trump's leadership.

"Inflation has gone down 70% under Donald Trump compared to Biden," McCombie said. "Certainly, we are in a much better place. The only reason costs are up here in Illinois is because of bills they continue to pass here. They spent $8 billion on a fake energy bill just three months ago."

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