Kane County Reporter

The Illinois General Assembly met in Springfield last week for its fall veto session, with Republican lawmakers criticizing Democrats for focusing on partisan resolutions instead of addressing major issues affecting state residents. House Democrats introduced and passed resolutions critical of the Trump Administration, law enforcement, and Republicans, while no significant legislative action was taken on matters such as mass transit funding, energy prices, taxes, or the cost of living.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie commented after the session, stating: “Today, we witnessed yet another relentless barrage of partisan hypocrisy, filled with finger-pointing at the federal government instead of confronting the many important issues at home. While Illinois families are struggling with soaring costs and growing distrust in their leaders, Illinois Democrats are wasting time and taxpayer dollars to play political games.

“With only four legislative days remaining, Speaker Welch and the House Democrats are negotiating tax hikes and a new green energy giveaway package behind closed doors, while play acting on the House floor to distract from it."

Following the passage of the resolutions, some Republicans called for hearings on property tax relief during the next week of veto session. Representative Dan Ugaste encouraged consideration of his bill, HB 9, which he says would provide significant property tax relief. As of now, there is no indication that this or similar bills will be heard when lawmakers return.

Republicans also urged Democrats to move away from political rhetoric and focus on substantive legislative work. This call came after a resolution condemning political violence passed along party lines. The resolution referenced recent immigration enforcement actions in Chicago that Republicans said were divisive.

Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer stated: “The purely political talk that we saw yesterday does not make things better for our constituents. It was an effort to divide this House and to keep it divided. We have to figure out a better way to move forward for the people of Illinois. Illinois is not getting better this way. It’s not getting safer.”

Republicans argued that issues such as taxes, energy costs, and public transit need more attention from lawmakers. They expressed disappointment that the session ended without progress on bills aimed at helping taxpayers. GOP leaders also opposed Governor JB Pritzker’s approach to the state’s $267 million budget deficit, particularly his idea not to follow certain provisions of federal budget policy.

Representative Jeff Keicher said: “Because of the policies that continue to chase Illinoisans away, which are the nickel and dime taxes currently being proposed by the governor and Democrats, we are going to continue to see fewer and fewer people left to hold the burden, paying more, and developing an exit strategy from Illinois.”

On energy issues, electricity prices in Illinois increased over summer 2025 following coal plant shutdowns. Suppliers had to purchase power from interstate grids at higher prices. Ameren Illinois has announced it expects even higher rates in summer 2026 compared to this year.

In gambling news, state reports show video gaming and sports wagering generated $1.25 billion in tax revenue in fiscal year 2025. These sectors have become leading sources of gambling revenue in Illinois. However, new tax increases were enacted on these activities in 2024 and 2025 over Republican opposition.

On immigration enforcement, Republicans criticized Governor Pritzker for defending protesters who clashed with law enforcement in Chicago. They also noted that House Republicans have filed 41 bills aimed at improving public safety.

In jobs news, Stellantis announced it will invest $600 million in reopening its Belvidere Assembly plant as part of a larger $13 billion U.S. investment program. The reopening is expected to support 3,300 jobs in Illinois.

For seniors enrolled in Medicare, open enrollment began October 15 and runs through December 7. The Illinois Department on Aging offers resources through its Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), including counseling at local offices.

Dan Ugaste has represented Illinois’ 65th House District since 2019 as a Republican legislator.