Chambana Sun

Just as the Illinois General Assembly convened for a late evening veto session, new tax proposals have been introduced that could impact working families across the state. According to Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Champaign), Democrats are advancing measures intended to generate revenue for a $2 billion bailout of Chicago’s transit system.

The proposed changes include increases in sales taxes affecting gas, groceries, school supplies, and childcare. There is also a suggested delivery tax that would apply to items such as baby formula, diapers, and household goods. Additional proposals involve new taxes on streaming services and entertainment—referred to as a “fun tax”—as well as service taxes that would increase costs for haircuts, car repairs, and home maintenance.

Other measures under consideration include raising the real estate transfer tax for home buyers and sellers, implementing a new vehicle tax, adding a $1 toll surcharge for commuters, introducing a 10% rideshare tax affecting transportation costs to work or school, imposing payroll (head) taxes on employers—which could influence jobs and wages—and expanding speed camera enforcement.

Senator Rose criticized these initiatives: "It’s almost 8 p.m. and we’re still here at the Capitol during Veto Session, and Democrats are pushing a plan to raise taxes on working families to fund a $2 billion bailout for Chicago’s transit system."

He added: "Families are already doing everything they can to make ends meet."

Rose concluded: "Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem."

Senator Chapin Rose has represented Illinois’ 51st Senate District since his election in 2013 after succeeding Kyle McCarter.