Friend,
As the General Assembly returns to Springfield for the second week of the fall veto session, there’s a lot happening at the Capitol. This week, much of the discussion centers on a proposal that could raise taxes by $1.5 billion, forcing working families to pay more for their daily essentials. I’ll continue standing up for taxpayers and families who are already feeling the strain of rising costs — because every dollar counts.
Back home, I’m grateful for another busy and rewarding week in the district! We had a fantastic turnout at our Senior Fair in Palatine, and I want to thank everyone who came out to spend the morning with us. I also appreciate all who participated in our Prescription Drug Take Back event — your efforts help keep our communities safe and healthy.
Finally, as students begin exploring their futures, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission has launched its annual College Changes Everything® campaign to help families navigate the college and financial aid process.
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Sincerely,
Senator Darby Hills
Working Families Could Face $1.5 Billion Tax Hike in Second Week of Veto
As the General Assembly returns to Springfield for the second week of the fall veto session, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a plan that could cost Illinois families up to $1.5 billion more each year to bail out Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Chicago transit system, which faces a looming budget shortfall due to long-term financial mismanagement.
Among other items, some of the ideas proposed in the new wish list include:
- $1 Delivery Tax on Orders over $100: Makes it more expensive for families to order baby formula and diapers, school supplies, and other household essentials online.
- Service Taxes: Raises the cost of routine needs families can’t go without like haircuts, car repairs, and childcare.
- $1 Toll Surcharge: Adds up quickly for commuters, taking more money out of every paycheck just to get to work.
- 10% Rideshare Tax: Increases the cost of getting to work, appointments, or school, especially for families without easy access to public transit.
- Real Estate Transfer Tax: Makes buying or selling a home more expensive for working families and first-time homebuyers.
- New Vehicle Tax: Makes it harder for families to afford or replace a reliable car.
- Payroll (Head) Tax: Raises costs for employers in Chicago, which could mean fewer jobs and lower wages for workers.
- More Speed Cameras: Means more costly fines for parents and workers driving to their jobs or running family errands.
- Higher RTA Sales Tax: Raises the price of nearly everything families buy, from school supplies to clothing to household goods for families in the suburbs.
This plan doesn’t just raise taxes — it raises the cost of everyday life for Illinois families. From the morning commute to the weekly grocery trip, to keeping the house warm and caring for the kids, families would feel the strain in nearly every part of their budget.
My colleagues and I are especially concerned about how this plan would impact suburban and downstate families, who would be asked to shoulder the burden of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s financial mismanagement in Chicago. For many of these families, it means paying more for services they may never use — like Chicago’s buses and trains.
Illinois families are already stretching every dollar to cover higher utility bills, property taxes, and the rising cost of essentials. Working parents shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table or paying another tax.
Every extra dollar matters to families trying to make ends meet. It’s time for Springfield to focus on helping families move forward, not making it harder for them to get by.
Palatine Senior Fair – Thank You for Coming!
I want to thank everyone who came to my Senior Fair in Palatine! We had such a great turnout, and it was wonderful to spend the morning visiting with so many friendly faces. I truly enjoyed the chance to connect, share resources, and hear from folks in our community. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success — and I can’t wait to do it again!
Prescription Drug Take Back Event
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our Prescription Drug Take Back event! It was great to see so many community members take a few minutes out of their day to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. We collected over 300 pounds of drugs that will be safely disposed of. Events like this make a real difference in keeping our homes and neighborhoods safe, and I’m so grateful for everyone who helped make it happen.
ISAC Launches Annual College Changes Everything Campaign
TheIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has recently announced its tenth annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Campaign. The campaign partners with schools and community organizations in Illinois to allow students to explore the option of college after high school.
ISAC works year-round to support students, but the campaign provides free college and financial aid application workshops for high school students. The CCE campaign has led the way for hundreds of thousands of students in Illinois to be able to receive information and help in their efforts to attend institutions of higher education.
ISAC advises that most students will have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for receiving federal, state, and other forms of financial aid; however, ISAC also provides information on the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid that may offer financial aid to students who may not qualify for federal aid.
The CCE campaign started on Labor Day and will continue until Thanksgiving. For more information, visit ISAC’s website here.
Had a fantastic time at the Wauconda Trick or Treat on Main! Loved seeing so many smiling kids stop by our booth for treats and fun.
Wauconda Trick or Treat on Main
Had a fantastic time at the Wauconda Trick or Treat on Main! Loved seeing so many smiling kids stop by our booth for treats and fun.
Free Veteran Appreciation Luncheon & Expo
Join me and State Senator Craig Wilcox for a special afternoon of food, fellowship, and gratitude. Veterans and their families are invited to a complimentary luncheon and resource expo honoring those who have served our nation.
Come connect with fellow veterans, enjoy a hearty meal, and learn more about the programs and services available to support you and your loved ones.
RSVP is required – please contact Barb at bomalleywest@sgop.ilga.gov or 224-662-4544 to reserve your spot.
