State Lawmakers Return for Veto Session
State lawmakers were back in Springfield last week for the first two days of the annual fall Veto Session. During the 2025 spring session, 436 bills passed through both chambers of the General Assembly and were sent to the Governor for final action. Of those measures, four bills were vetoed, including two total vetoes, one reduction veto, and one amendatory veto.
While no action was taken on any of the vetoed legislation, lawmakers are set to return to the Capitol on October 28, which will present another opportunity for lawmakers to advance new legislation or revive bills introduced earlier this year.
Among the proposals drawing attention are measures advancing elements of the Democrats’ broader tax-and-spend agenda, including the controversial Transit Bill, a billion-dollar bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson that would shift control of the regional transit board to Chicago while forcing suburban taxpayers to shoulder much of the cost. Lawmakers may also consider a delivery tax on nearly every package delivered to Illinois homes.
The second week of the fall Veto Session is scheduled to run from October 28 through October 30.
Democrats Present New “Wish List” of New Tax and Fee Hikes to Fund Public Transit
Last week during a committee hearing in Springfield, a new “wish list” of revenue proposals was introduced as possible sources to solve the public transit fiscal cliff and fund an improved public transit system in the future. Even though ridership is down roughly 30%, Democrats are not rethinking the transit model. As usual, the Democrats’ default response is to raise taxes and spend even more on the failing system.
Some combination of the items presented are likely to be included in a public transit reform bill that ultimately comes before lawmakers. The Democrats leading the discussion are wanting $1.5 billion in new revenue to support transit. As a reminder, I have never, nor will I ever, vote in favor of a tax hike on Illinois families. It’s a safe bet that I will be voting “no” on any revenue proposal tied to transit.
Just some of the items included on this newest revenue wish list include:
- A $1 surcharge on all tolls
- A $1 delivery charge for items delivered to people’s doors for orders that exceed $100
- A 25-cent increase in CTA fares for trains and buses in the City of Chicago
- A 10% tax on all rideshare trips within the Chicago Transit region (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- A ticket surcharge of $5-$10 on large event tickets at venues that can seat more than 10,000 people
- A 25% surcharge on tolls to be paid one time per day
- A fee of 3-cents per kw/h tax on electric vehicle charging at public charging stations
- A new real estate transfer tax of $1.50 per every $500 for all property sales in the collar counties (Cook County already has this tax in place)
- A new tax on services (haircuts, oil changes, etc.)
- A payroll tax (head tax) for those working in the City of Chicago
- Increased speed camera usage in the RTA Region
- A new tax on vehicle sales
- An increase in the RTA sales tax paid in the RTA region
Taxpayers from our area, who rarely use the public transit system, should not be on the hook to help bail out this system. But this new list still includes taxes and fees that would impact all Illinois communities, including those in the 45th District.
We could see transit legislation during the second week of veto session (October 28-30) or possibly early in 2026.
Illinois Faces New $267 Million Deficit
Illinois is confronting a growing fiscal challenge as newly released projections reveal a $267 million shortfall in the fiscal 2026 budget. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s (GOMB) report warns that without significant changes, the deficit could swell to $2.2 billion by fiscal year 2027.
Since taking office, Governor JB Pritzker has increased state spending by nearly 40 percent, pushing Illinois’ budget to record highs despite warnings from Republican lawmakers.
While he continues to promote new programs and costly initiatives, including state funding for illegal immigrants, the state’s long-term finances are showing signs of strain. Republicans argue that the Governor’s pattern of unchecked spending and reliance on temporary revenue sources has left Illinois in a vulnerable fiscal situation.
The growing deficit is the latest example of the dangers of overspending and misplaced priorities in Springfield. I believe the state must rein in spending, focus on fiscal responsibility, and protect working families from the long-term consequences of continued budget mismanagement.
