Taxpayers Pay the Price for a Poor Process

Last week, Illinois House Speaker Emmanuel Chris Welch took a victory lap for the way House Democrats passed their end-of-session agenda, including the largest budget in Illinois history and $800 million in new tax hikes.

During a press conference, Speaker Welch praised Democrats’ approach, stating:

“By using our processes and taking the time to listen and to get it right, we delivered finished products that were better than we could have ever imagined.”

What Speaker Welch failed to mention was the lack of transparency, the suspension of House rules to take up bills quicker, and the fact that Illinois families will ultimately be left footing the bill.

As has become routine in Springfield, Democrats waited until the final hours of the legislative session to unveil their final budget and the tax hikes needed to support it. Then, when it came time to debate their revenue omnibus package containing $800 million in new taxes, House Democrats suspended the rules to rush it through even faster.

If these are the “products” Speaker Welch says are better than he could have imagined, Illinois families deserve an explanation:

• A digital advertising tax that faces serious legal questions and may not survive a court challenge.
• A new tax on fantasy sports and prediction markets that takes more money out of the pockets of sports fans.
• A $200 million social media tax that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
• The largest budget in state history, built on higher taxes and more government spending.

Democrats can claim this was a successful process, but the facts tell a different story. A budget negotiated behind closed doors, rushed through in the middle of the night, is not something Democrats should celebrate.

House Republicans repeatedly called out Democrats’ suspension of the rules on the House floor and unanimously opposed the massive tax hike package.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie called out the massive state budget and spending package, putting the Democrats’ focus on growing government in the limelight. Leader McCombie chose to stand with taxpayers demanding transparency, accountability, and relief from Illinois’ crushing tax burden. Even with session adjourned, McCombie won’t stop advocating for the best foot forward for Illinois taxpayers.