As we enter the final two weeks before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, lawmakers are working through several key issues that remain unresolved. The most pressing is the state budget, with Governor Pritzker’s proposed FY 26–27 plan totaling approximately $56 billion. I continue to have concerns that it relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and accounting maneuvers at a time when many Illinois families are already struggling with rising costs and an ongoing affordability crisis.
I remain focused on working toward a responsible, balanced budget that protects taxpayers and delivers real relief to hardworking families and job creators across our state. In addition to the budget, legislators are also considering several major proposals, including a megaprojects bill related to efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
Topics below include:
- Protecting Local Control in Our Communities – Opposed to the BUILD Act
- Senator Hills Connects Community with Mental Health Resources at First Wellness Fair
- Ribbon Cutting for Bangs Lake Water Project
- Constituents at the Capitol
- 2026 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
- Upcoming Palatine Township Property Tax Educational Seminar
- Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
- Why would the Digital Advertising Tax Effect Small Businesses
- Property Tax Relief Package to Address Illinois’ Crippling Tax Burden
- Senate Passes Bill to Improve Prescription Access for Patients
- Put a Lid on Litter! Roadside Cleanup Operations in Full Swing
- New Student Loan Repayment Program Offered for IDOT Engineers
Protecting Local Control in Our Communities – Opposed to the BUILD Act
During his annual budget address this past February, Governor Pritzker introduced the Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) housing proposal. This legislative package seeks to strip away local decision-making with regard to zoning, parking requirements, development standards, and land use decisions, and paves the way for high-density housing developments in every town in Illinois. Local elected officials would lose all control regarding developmental decisions in their communities.
Over the past few months, I’ve heard from many local officials and residents who have expressed concerns over the Governor’s BUILD Act proposals and the impact this would have on their municipalities. After reviewing this legislation, I share many of the concerns being raised and am opposed to the bill as currently drafted.
I strongly believe decisions involving zoning, land use, parking requirements, and local development should remain in the hands of local communities, not dictated by a one-size-fits-all mandate from Springfield. Every town and neighborhood has unique needs, and local elected officials are in the best position to make decisions that reflect the character and priorities of their communities.
I will continue standing up for local control and ensuring residents have a voice in decisions that directly impact their neighborhoods and quality of life.
Senator Hills Connects Community with Mental Health Resources & Support at First Mental Fair
Over the weekend, I hosted a Mental Health & Wellness Fair at the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, and it was a truly meaningful experience.
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, my goal was to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where individuals and families could connect directly with local organizations, ask questions, and learn about the mental health and wellness resources available in our community. It was encouraging to see so many residents take time out of their day to focus on their well-being and support those they care about.
The event featured a range of interactive activities, including therapy horses from Mane in Heaven and Piper the Therapy Dog, which brought a lot of smiles throughout the morning.
I am grateful to the many organizations, providers, and volunteers who made this event possible. This fair was an important first step, and I look forward to continuing to expand access to mental health resources and support across our communities.
Ribbon Cutting for Bangs Lake Water Project
I had the opportunity to join the Village of Wauconda and Mayor at the ribbon cutting for the Bangs Lake Water Project, and I want to sincerely thank them for inviting me to take part in such an important day for the community.
Events like this are always a reminder of why this work matters. Clean, reliable water is not a luxury, it is something every family depends on every single day. Projects like this do not happen overnight. They take planning, persistence, and strong partnerships between local leaders and the state to become a reality.
This project was made possible in part through grant funding, which played a critical role in helping move it forward. Without that support, many communities would be forced to delay or significantly scale back essential infrastructure improvements, placing a heavier burden on local taxpayers.
I am proud to see what can be accomplished when local and state partners work together toward a common goal. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this project to completion, and thank you again for allowing me to celebrate this milestone with you.
Constituents at the Capitol
As we head into the final stretch of session with just 12 days remaining, this week was a great reminder of why these conversations matter. It was wonderful welcoming so many different groups to Springfield and hearing directly from people advocating for their communities, professions, and causes they care deeply about.
Every visit brings new perspectives and important discussions that help shape the work being done at the Capitol. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to come down to Springfield and share their voices with us.
Pictured above: Palatine Firefighters, Harper College Leadership Team, Elgin Community College, College of Lake County Trustees, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Nurses, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs
2026 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
The 33rd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony was held on May 12 in Springfield to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty and recognize those who demonstrated exceptional courage and service. The event included both the memorial service at the Capitol and the Medal of Honor ceremony at the Bank of Springfield Center. Thirteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award, three received the Medal of Valor, and two were awarded the Medal of Honor, the state’s highest recognition for bravery.
The annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication shown by the brave men and women who risk their lives in service to the people of Illinois.
Upcoming Palatine Township Property Tax Educational Seminar
*Residents of Cook County only**
I am proud to support this educational seminar hosted by the Township Assessors from Palatine, Elk Grove, Wheeling, and Barrington Townships to help homeowners better understand their property taxes, appeals, exemptions, and ways to potentially reduce their burden.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
6:30 PM
Patriot Room, Palatine Township
721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine
Hope to see you there!
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
As summer approaches, our office is excited to bring even more events and opportunities to connect across the 26th District! We have a full schedule of outreach events planned throughout June and beyond, and we look forward to seeing you in the community. Please mark your calendars and join us if you are able:
- June 1st – Senior Fair in Lake Zurich from 10 AM – 12 PM
- June 2nd – Fremont Township Blood Drive from 12 PM – 5 PM
- June 4th – IPASS/ICASH Event in Volo from 3 PM – 6 PM
- June 9th – Office Hours at Ela Area Public Library from 10 AM – 12 PM
- June 10th – Senior Fraud Event in Palatine from 12 PM – 1:30 PM
- June 15th – Blood Drive in Algonquin from 12 PM – 5 PM
All of these events are listed on the Events page of my website with full details, and additional events are added regularly. Please check back often for updates and new opportunities to stay engaged across the district.
Why would the Digital Advertising Tax Effect Small Businesses?
Following up on my previous newsletter discussion of SB 3353, I would like to clarify my concerns regarding the proposed digital advertising tax. Yes, SB 3353 specifically targets large digital advertising companies by imposing a 10% tax on companies earning more than $150 million annually from digital advertising in Illinois.
That may sound great, however, my concern is about how those costs would ultimately be passed down to the people and businesses that rely on those platforms every day.
Small businesses across Illinois, including restaurants, retailers, contractors, and family-owned shops, depend heavily on platforms like Google and Facebook to advertise affordably and reach customers. Many also rely on companies like Amazon for supplies, materials, inventory, shipping, and other day-to-day business operations.
The tax may start with Big Tech like Google, Meta, and Amazon, but it will not end there. Those companies are not simply going to absorb the additional costs. They are likely to pass them on through higher advertising rates, service fees, and operational costs for the businesses that use their platforms. That means local employers, mom-and-pop shops, and entrepreneurs in our communities could ultimately end up paying more simply to market their business, order supplies, and serve customers. My concern is that this proposal would make it more expensive for Illinois small businesses to operate at a time when many are already struggling with rising costs.
I understand the frustration many families are feeling right now when it comes to the rising cost of groceries, gas, utilities, and other everyday necessities. Making Illinois more affordable is one of my top priorities, and I am continuing to support and file legislation focused on lowering costs, encouraging job growth, and easing financial pressure on working families and small businesses. I know people are stretched thin, which is why I believe we should be focused on policies that help families get ahead, not proposals that could ultimately increase costs even further.
To learn more about the legislation I am working on to improve affordability in Illinois, please visit: Senator Darby Hills’ Legislative Priorities – Darby Hills
Property Tax Relief Package to Address Illinois’ Crippling Tax Burden
Illinois families continue to face one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation, placing significant pressure on homeowners, seniors, farmers, and small businesses across the state. In response, I am co-sponsoring a package of legislation aimed at providing meaningful property tax relief, improving transparency, and helping seniors remain in their homes.
One proposal, Senate Bill 2706, would update the outdated formula used to assess wind and solar energy projects for property tax purposes, ensuring those projects are evaluated based on current market conditions.
Senate Bill 2701 would eliminate the annual renewal requirement for seniors already receiving the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, reducing unnecessary paperwork and making the process more efficient for older Illinoisans.
Senate Bill 3243 would allow counties to post property assessment rolls online in addition to traditional newspaper publication requirements, improving transparency and making important information more accessible to taxpayers.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 3872, would create the “Free and Clear Senior Homestead Exemption Act,” fully exempting qualifying seniors age 75 and older from property taxes on their primary residence if they own their home outright and meet income requirements.
Together, these proposals reflect my ongoing commitment to addressing Illinois’ affordability challenges, reducing the property tax burden, and ensuring government works more effectively for taxpayers.
Senate Passes Bill to Improve Prescription Access for Patients
Illinois patients could soon face fewer delays in getting needed medications following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 3213 in the Illinois Senate.
The legislation allows more prescriptions to be electronically transferred between pharmacies when a medication is out of stock, helping patients avoid the current situation where they may need to return to their doctor for a new prescription.
I am co-sponsoring this bill as a practical step to reduce barriers to care and make it easier for patients, families, doctors, and pharmacists to get medications filled quickly and efficiently.
Senate Bill 3213 now advances to the Illinois House for consideration.
Put a Lid on Litter! Roadside Cleanup Operations in Full Swing
As the weather warms up, you’ll start seeing more IDOT crews out across Illinois picking up litter along our roadsides, and I want to take a moment to highlight just how big of an effort this really is.
Last year alone, Illinois spent about $33.2 million cleaning up litter and debris from our highways. That’s enough to fully fund a fleet of snowplow trucks or resurface more than 25 miles of interstate highway. Those are taxpayer dollars that could be going toward improvements, not cleanup.
This spring, crews are already focused on ramps, interchanges, and problem areas statewide, and IDOT is expanding operations this year with overnight expressway sweeping in Cook and surrounding counties to improve safety and get more work done when traffic is lighter. Even when lanes aren’t closed, workers are still on the shoulders, so if you see them, please slow down and move over.
What many people don’t realize is that litter isn’t just an eyesore. It clogs drainage systems that help prevent flooding, damages landscaping, and creates real safety risks for drivers and maintenance workers. It can even contribute to crashes by distracting drivers or forcing crews to work closer to live traffic.
That’s why IDOT’s message this season is simple: “Put a Lid on Litter.” Small actions make a real difference. Secure your loads, keep trash bags in your car, and take a moment to properly dispose of waste.
To view a short video on the impacts of litter in Illinois, click here or visit IDOT’s YouTube channel.
New Student Loan Repayment Program Offered for IDOT Engineers
I want to highlight a new student loan repayment initiative from the Illinois Department of Transportation aimed at helping recruit and retain young engineering talent in Illinois.
The new Higher Education Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Engineers Pilot Program will provide up to $60,000 in student loan repayment assistance for eligible civil engineers who begin working at IDOT. Under the program, participants may receive up to $15,000 annually after working continuously at the department for four years.
Eligible engineers must be hired by IDOT on or after July 1, 2024, and qualifying positions will be identified in job postings based on staffing needs within the department.
For more information, please contact DOT.Recruitment@illinois.gov.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills