Democrats Pile On New Taxes at Start of New Fiscal Year
The new fiscal year for the State of Illinois began on July 1, and with it came a new slew of tax hikes courtesy of Statehouse Democrats. Here are just a few things that are now a little more expensive thanks to bills passed by majority party Democrats:
- Your Phone: If you have a phone you will have yet another telecommunications tax.
- Gasoline: The gas tax in Illinois automatically increases every year on July 1.
- Short-Term Vacation Rentals: If you use Airbnb or VRBO, you’ll now pay a new tax on these rentals.
- Cigars, Vaping Products, Other Tobacco Products: Already really high at 36%, this tax will now jump to 45% the cost of what you’re buying.
- Sports Betting: Those who enjoy sports betting are now subject to a wager tax on every bet.
- A Variety of New Taxes on Businesses: Business owners are now facing a new round of tax hikes. Most will be passed down through higher costs to the consumer.
Though it probably goes without saying, I voted against every one of these tax hikes.
Senator Chesney Reacts to U.S. House’ Approval of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate-amended version of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” Following the tallying of the vote, I issued this media statement:
“Today’s passage of the Big Beautiful Bill in the U.S. House marks a major victory for hardworking Americans and the values that built this nation. This legislation delivers real relief to working Americans by eliminating federal taxes on tips, cutting taxes for the middle class, and ending the tax on Social Security for the majority of our seniors. It slashes red tape and unleashes small business growth. It also takes serious steps to enhance our nation’s safety through major investments in border security and immigration enforcement and by giving law enforcement the tools they need to secure our border and restore law and order.
“For the people of Illinois, this couldn’t come at a better time. While Democrats in Springfield hike taxes year after year, driving out jobs and families, Republicans are fighting to put money back in your pocket and power back where it belongs— with the people. This bill represents a major course correction. It prioritizes fiscal sanity, individual freedom, and the hard-working men and women who keep this country running. I applaud U.S. House Republicans for standing strong with President Trump.”
I also did a radio interview, and you can listen to that interview here.
PBM Reform Legislation Signed into Law
Legislation I supported this year that seeks to address the unchecked influence and harmful practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was signed into law on July 1.
House Bill 1697 puts an end to spread pricing, prohibits PBMs from steering patients to their own preferred pharmacies, and requires that 100 percent of rebates go back to patients and plan sponsors where they belong.
According to the Illinois Pharmacists Association, 74 of Illinois’ 102 counties are now considered pharmacy deserts. Senate Republicans argue that entire regions are losing access to trusted, local care simply because PBMs are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. In 2024 alone, more than 85 independent pharmacies in Illinois were forced to close their doors.
Supporters believe the legislation will help hold the line on rapidly rising prescription prices, providing some much-needed relief to Illinoisans struggling to pay for medications.
This proposal was a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system and holding down costs for prescriptions.
