Republican State Senators Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville), and Erika Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) today called on Governor JB Pritzker and Democratic leaders to abandon a proposed $6 billion in new tax increases, warning the move would deliver a crushing blow to small businesses across Illinois. The proposed tax hikes come on the heels of a $1 billion increase enacted this year to support record-high state spending in the current budget.
At a press conference at the Capitol, the Senators, each of whom owns and operates businesses in Illinois, urged lawmakers to pursue a responsible budget that prioritizes fiscal discipline over harmful tax hikes.
“In Illinois, small business owners already face one of the most burdensome regulatory and tax environments in the country,” said Senator Wilcox. “As the owner of small businesses, I live this reality every day. The Governor’s proposal to raise taxes by another $6 billion would force businesses to cut jobs, raise prices, or close their doors altogether. It’s working families- our employees and our customers- who will bear the brunt of these policies.”
Wilcox also pointed to broken promises made by Governor JB Pritzker, particularly the reinstatement of the franchise tax after a bipartisan agreement was made to phase it out in 2019.
“When leaders break their word to the very people who take the risks to create jobs, they send a clear message: Illinois is not a place to grow a business,” said Wilcox. “That kind of instability is toxic to investment and economic growth.”
As lawmakers work toward crafting the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Republican Senators urged their colleagues across the aisle to reject massive tax increases and instead work toward a balanced, sustainable financial plan that reflects the needs of all Illinois citizens.
Click here to watch the press conference.