Illinois lawmakers are debating new proposals that could affect the cost of living and education for residents across the state. House Bill 4459, introduced by Representative Briel, would allow local governments to charge a $5 fee for open burns, including campfires. The bill also opens the possibility of further regulation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Critics argue that this measure amounts to another tax on families and outdoor enthusiasts. “As Democrats claim to be fighting for affordability, it’s fair to ask: how does taxing campfires accomplish that? The answer is simple. It doesn’t. This is just the latest example of Democrats driving up the cost of living for Illinois families,” said State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-St. Charles).
In addition, Democratic State Representative Laura Faver Dias has proposed a carryout bag tax, which would increase by five cents each year through 2030 and apply to paper, plastic, and reusable bags.
House Republicans continue to push back against such measures, with Rep. Ugaste noting their efforts to lower property taxes through legislation such as HB0009.
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) released its January 2026 revenue report showing mixed results for Illinois’ finances. While general revenues from state taxes increased by 1.8% compared to January 2025—rising from $4.664 billion to $4.746 billion—federal funds sent to Illinois dropped sharply by $169 million over the same period.
Federal authorities have implemented stricter oversight on social welfare programs like SNAP and Medicaid in an effort to reduce fraud and unnecessary spending. The federal government has requested stronger compliance from states including Illinois, warning of actions against those not meeting requirements.
With these reductions in federal support, budget concerns may become more pressing as Governor JB Pritzker prepares his annual budget address scheduled for February 18.
On education policy, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has advocated for school choice options in Illinois by supporting the federal Educational Choice for Children Act. “I believe our best foot forward is to empower parents to choose the learning environments that best meets their children’s individual needs. Regardless of funding debates, we must recognize that traditional public schools cannot be the only option available to families, particularly in underserved communities,” McCombie wrote in a letter supporting the law.
McCombie filed two bills—HB 4098 and HB 4099—that would enable Illinois students and scholarship organizations to benefit from new federal tax credits established under the Educational Choice for Children Act signed into law on July 2, 2025.
Rep. Ugaste called on Governor Pritzker to opt in so Illinois can access these benefits: “It is time for Illinois to again put our children first! We need to opt in to the federal scholarship program… Every state has the option to opt in, and the decision in Illinois belongs to Governor Pritzker.”
A report from the Illinois Policy Institute notes that at least 28 other states have already opted into this program; Governor Pritzker has until January 1, 2027, if he wishes Illinois students to participate.
For more details see Opinion: Gov. JB Pritzker shouldn’t block free help for students (https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-illinois-school-choice-tax-credit-opt-in-pritzker-20240122-cgffo3mbjvch7oxcxxmkpjsqra-story.html).
Unemployment figures released for December 2025 indicate an overall increase statewide—from 4.3% in December 2024 up to 4.8%. Chicago was an exception with its rate holding steady at 4.4%, while regions like Kankakee (6.7%), Decatur (6.6%), Rockford (6.2%), and Quad Cities (6.1%) saw significant increases suggesting recession-level jobless numbers.
While metro Chicago added approximately 28,800 payroll jobs during this period, every other region experienced net job losses; Metro Peoria lost about 3,000 positions amid changes impacting manufacturing sectors both nationally and globally.
Ugaste has served as Republican representative for Illinois’ 65th District since being elected in 2019; he succeeded Steven Andersson in this role.
