Illinois Now Highest Taxed State in the Nation
Illinois is now the highest-taxed state in the country, according to WalletHub’s latest annual study on state tax rates. The negative distinction highlights the growing financial strain on Illinois families and job creators.
The report compares all 50 states and the District of Columbia across four key tax categories: real estate, vehicle property, income, and sales excise taxes. Illinois placed 51st overall, with 50th for real estate taxes and 47th for income taxes, making it the most burdensome state for residents and small businesses alike.
Illinois’ real estate tax rate is nearly 8%, second only to New Jersey, far above the national average. The study also found Illinois’ taxes are 51.8% higher than the U.S. average, with New York as the next closest at 34.9%. In contrast, states like Alaska, Delaware, and Wyoming impose the lowest taxes, creating more favorable conditions for families and job creators.
Additionally, WalletHub’s national survey revealed that 70% of Americans are more concerned about inflation than taxes, and nearly one-third would rather serve on jury duty than file their taxes. For Illinois families and entrepreneurs, these high tax rates exacerbate the state’s ongoing economic and fiscal challenges.
Illinois continues to face the highest tax burden in the nation, sparking ongoing discussions about how to address the impact on the state’s economic future.
Huge Turnout for IPASS on Demand in Oregon
For my latest IPASS on Demand event in Oregon, more than 500 people stopped by to switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology. The professionals on the mobile team from the Illinois Tollway made quick work of the transactions, and I heard several people comment on how well-organized the event was.
As I have mentioned, the Tollway is phasing out the plastic transponders we have in our cars and replacing them with stickers. These popular events allow people to make the switch quickly and conveniently and without any disruption to their IPASS account or activity.
There is no fee for switching over to the sticker technology and IPASS balances will be transferred to the new account. As additional events are scheduled in the 45th District they will be publicized in future newsletters.
Controversial Bill Could Legalize Attacks on Police
My Senate Republican colleagues and I are sounding the alarm over House Bill 3458, a controversial proposal that could effectively legalize assaulting police officers by allowing individuals to use mental health crises as a defense. We believe that if passed, this legislation could embolden criminals to attack officers with fewer consequences, making law enforcement’s already dangerous job even riskier.
While proponents argue the bill is designed to protect those in mental distress, opponents see it as a dangerous loophole that weakens accountability. The bill applies only to police officers, not other first responders, raising concerns about fairness and potential exploitation. Additionally, judges already have the discretion to consider mental health in sentencing, making this bill unnecessary.
Police officers risk their lives to protect communities, and this bill sends a reckless message that assaulting law enforcement could come with fewer consequences. Senate Republicans are calling for a reevaluation of the proposal, urging lawmakers to prioritize officer safety and public protection.
Homeschooling Oversight Bill Draws Widespread Attention in Illinois
Proposed legislation known as the Homeschool Act, which aims to impose unnecessary mandates homeschooling families, is generating a lot of controversy from state lawmakers and the public.
House Bill 2827 requires parents to meet certain educational qualifications, notify school districts when homeschooling begins, and provide evidence of teaching materials if concerns arise. It also extends registration requirements to private schools.
The legislation’s new regulations on homeschooling would unnecessarily complicate and restrict the freedom of parents to educate their children according to their values, needs, and beliefs. This bill has generated significant controversy, and as I reported last week, thousands of homeschool families have come to Springfield to lobby against the bill.
The Homeschool Act has been assigned to the House Education Policy Committee, and a committee hearing scheduled for last week was abruptly canceled. As of this writing, just over 31,000 witness slips have been filed in opposition to the bill, while only about 700 slips have been filed in support of it.
If you have strong feelings about Democrats’ efforts to infringe on parents’ autonomy when it comes to their decision to homeschool their kids, you can click here to file a witness slip.
Right to Life March Scheduled for March 25 in Springfield
Every year those who value the rights of unborn life travel to the Illinois State Capitol for a Right to Life March. This year’s march and rally are scheduled for Tuesday, March 25. A large turnout from the pro-life community will have an impact. This year’s rally will take place at 1:00 PM outside of the Illinois State Capitol, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield. The rally will be followed by a march around the Capitol and auxiliary buildings. Following the march, those in town for the rally and march can visit with lawmakers and urge them to protect unborn life.
If you can join this year’s Right to Life March, please register to attend by clicking here.
Funds Still Available for Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit
Last week I met with the Illinois State Fire Marshall. At this meeting I learned there is still money available in this tax credit fund for the current fiscal year.
The Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit was created in 2023 to provide financial relief to firefighters who have answered the call to serve their communities on a volunteer basis. The credit is worth up to $500 and can be used to reduce an individual’s income tax liability. The yearly allocation for the fund is $5 million, and credits are given on a first come first served basis.
If you are a volunteer emergency worker that meets the following criteria, I would encourage you to apply for this credit without delay. You qualify if you are:
- An individual who serves as a member, on a non-full-time career basis, of a fire department, fire protection district, or fire protection association that has been issued a State Fire Marshal Identification Number (SFMID) by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Additionally, the applicant must not serve on a full-time career basis for another fire department, fire protection district, fire protection association, or government entity.
- An individual is a volunteer member of a county or municipal emergency services and disaster agency and have completed at least 100 volunteer hours during the calendar year for which they are applying. These volunteers must receive an EMA Identification Number from Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Office of Homeland Security (OHS).
If you meet these criteria, you can click here to learn more about this this tax credit program and submit an application.
While the budget line that is responsible for this program is currently capped at $5 million, I have filed legislation (Senate Bill 214) to lift that cap so that the credit is available to all emergency workers and not just on a first come first served basis. I feel this benefit should available to ALL volunteer firefighters, not just some.
