Sangamon Sun

House Republicans in Illinois have introduced a legislative package aimed at tackling corruption and instituting ethics reform within the state government. Lawmakers, including Representatives Patrick Windhorst, Dave Severin, and David Friess, focused on restoring public trust amidst several corruption verdicts, notably implicating former House Speaker Michael Madigan. In response, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating, "Illinoisans are sick and tired of corruption running rampant in their state government."

On a related note, McCombie also wrote about the need for fair congressional maps in Illinois. A legal battle has begun against the Democrats' 2021 redistricting, which is accused of cementing their control, an action McCombie described as extreme gerrymandering. A federal court and a mapmaker have corroborated these claims, and a lawsuit was filed to address the issue, supported by editorial support from the Chicago Tribune. McCombie's efforts focus on ensuring fair representation, which she argues is vital for effective governance and better resource distribution statewide.

In budgetary news, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) reported that March 2025 recorded a notable rebound in individual State income tax receipts, with an increase of $209 million. This significant boost was attributed in part to reallocations in business-related tax payments rather than sustained economic improvements. Despite gains in the income tax sector, challenges remain in corporate taxes, needing further growth to meet predictions.

Illinois is preparing for extensive capital spending in Fiscal Year 2026. Projects involving both horizontal and vertical infrastructure—essentially roads, bridges, and large public structures—are slated to be funded by the Rebuild Illinois program and other specific taxes. Rising interest rates, however, are affecting borrowing capacities for these developments.

The insurance sector in Illinois is grappling with substantial premium increases. A recent study revealed a 50% spike in home insurance rates from 2021 to 2024, primarily driven by major companies such as Allstate. This trend is particularly burdensome for first-time buyers and young families.

Cook County faces its own challenges, with stagnant property values not matching increasing property tax bills. The Illinois Policy Institute found that while property values only rose 7.3% between 2007 and 2024, taxes surged by 78%. Republicans have offered property tax relief legislation to address this disparity affecting homeowners.

As the tax filing deadline of April 15 approaches, both state and federal agencies offer online resources to aid taxpayers. This assistance is especially significant for those yet to complete their income tax submissions.