SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Republicans are upset the Illinois House left Springfield on Thursday without passing meaningful bills to help taxpayers.
House GOP leaders say they oppose Gov. JB Pritzker's idea to not follow provisions of President Donald Trump's budget to help address the state's $267 million budget deficit.
Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) told reporters that decoupling from tax incentives included in the Big Beautiful Bill will damage and hurt the ability of manufacturers to choose Illinois for investments and expansion.
"Because of the policies that continue to chase Illinoisans away, which are the nickel and dime taxes currently being proposed by the governor and Democrats, we are going to continue to see fewer and fewer people left to hold the burden, paying more, and developing an exit strategy from Illinois," Keicher said.
Republicans said Illinois needs to make it easier for people to choose to live in the state by reducing their tax burden.
However, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch told WAND News Tuesday that his caucus is discussing multiple ways to address the budget deficit.
"We're probably going to offer a decoupling bill that would decouple from some of the federal laws, and we believe that can be helpful in mitigating some of the problems that HR 1 created," Welch said. "HR 1 is a bill that doesn't help states like Illinois, and it really hurt."
Pritzker has already directed state agencies to review their budgets and reserve up to 4% of funds to lessen the impact of Trump's budget bill.
More Statehouse Coverage:
Senate passes plan cutting red tape for craft brewers, distillers
IL House Democrats approve resolution condemning political violence
Illinois lawmakers could pass plan to address $267 million budget deficit during veto session
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
