Illinois House GOP strongly oppose potential tax hikes in FY26 budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Republican leaders are concerned Democratic lawmakers will include tax hikes in their budget proposal next month.

House GOP budgeteers told reporters in Springfield Thursday that they have ongoing discussions with Gov. JB Pritzker's Office of Management and Budget. Although, the minority party has only participated in a few budget meetings with House Democrats.

Republicans said some progressive Democrats are calling for a graduated income tax. The Illinois Revenue Alliance is also calling for multiple revenue enhancements which could raise taxes by $6 billion.

"That's $6 billion in new taxes to pay for taxpayer funded healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants, more pork projects for Democrats, and more of their wasteful spending on programs," said Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb).

Caucus leaders are also concerned Democrats may raise the estate tax by cutting the exemption in half. Hammond said the Democratic proposal could cut the $4 million exemption to $2 million. This comes as Republicans have stressed that lawmakers should protect family farms instead of hurting them more.

Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) also recalled that Gov. JB Pritzker warned Democrats and state agencies that everyone would have to make difficult decisions during budget negotiations. Yet, Elik has not seen any state agency present potential cuts during their House appropriations hearings.

"We haven't talked about the most important issues affecting Illinois families like high property taxes and the high cost of living, and doing business in Illinois," Elik said. "The people of Illinois are tapped out. We cannot accept any tax increases."

The Illinois Revenue Alliance argues now is the time to generate necessary revenue and consistent funding for essential programs that help low and moderate income families thrive. The organization said households with the lowest 20% of family incomes pay more than twice the percent of their income toward state and local taxes as those with the top 1% of incomes.

Democratic leaders will introduce their spending plan at the end of the month.