State Lawmakers Return for Veto Session
State lawmakers were back in Springfield last week for the first two days of the annual fall Veto Session. During the 2025 spring session, 436 bills passed through both chambers of the General Assembly and were sent to the Governor for final action. Of those measures, four bills were vetoed, including two total vetoes, one reduction veto, and one amendatory veto.
While no action was taken on any of the vetoed legislation last week, lawmakers are set to return to the Capitol on October 28, which will present another opportunity for lawmakers to advance new legislation or revive bills introduced earlier this year.
Democrats Present New “Wish List” of New Tax and Fee Hikes to Fund Public Transit
Last week during a committee hearing in Springfield, a new “wish list” of revenue proposals was introduced as possible sources to solve the public transit fiscal cliff and fund an improved public transit system in the future. As a reminder, the public transit region in Illinois includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
Some combination of the items presented are likely to be included in the public transit reform bill that ultimately comes before lawmakers. The Democrats leading the discussion are wanting $1.5 billion in new revenue to support transit.
Just some of the items included on this new wish list include:
- A $1 surcharge on all tolls
- A $1 delivery charge for items delivered to people’s doors for orders that exceed $100
- A 25-cent increase in CTA fares for trains and buses in the City of Chicago
- A 10% tax on all rideshare trips within the Chicago Transit region (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- A ticket surcharge of $5-$10 on large event tickets at venues that can seat more than 10,000 people
- A 25% surcharge on tolls to be paid one time per day
- A fee of 3-cents per kw/h tax on electric vehicle charging at public charging stations
- A new real estate transfer tax of $1.50 per every $500 for all property sales in the collar counties (Cook County already has this tax in place)
- A new tax on services (haircuts, oil changes, etc.)
- A payroll tax (head tax) for those working in the City of Chicago
- Increased speed camera usage in the RTA Region
- A new tax on vehicle sales
- An increase in the RTA sales tax paid in the RTA region
I feel strongly that the ultimate transit solution must not place the majority of the new financial burden on suburban and downstate Illinoisans, but as I review the latest proposal, it is clear that those living outside of Chicago and Cook County are being expected to take on the brunt of the costs.
We could see transit legislation during the second week of veto session (October 28-30) or possibly early in 2026.
DeWitte Coat Drive a Tremendous Success!
I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who made coat donations to this year’s fall/winter coat drive. The people of the 33rd District once again stepped up to help their neighbors in need. This year we collected just over 200 coats for children and adults.
Additionally, generous donors dropped off 11 hooded sweatshirts and two men’s sport coats. Collected items have been delivered to Kids in Need McHenry County, the Elgin Wayside Center, Lazarous House in St. Charles, and the Salvation Army. Thank you to all who participated in the drive and helped ensure our neighbors in need have warm outerwear this winter!
Illinois Faces New $267 Million Deficit
Illinois is confronting a growing fiscal challenge as newly released projections reveal a $267 million shortfall in the fiscal 2026 budget. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s (GOMB) report warns that without significant changes, the deficit could swell to $2.2 billion by fiscal year 2027.
Since taking office, Governor JB Pritzker has increased state spending by nearly 40 percent, pushing Illinois’ budget to record highs despite warnings from Republican lawmakers.
While he continues to promote new programs and costly initiatives, including state funding for illegal immigrants, the state’s long-term finances are showing signs of strain. Republicans argue that the Governor’s pattern of unchecked spending and reliance on temporary revenue sources has left Illinois in a vulnerable fiscal situation.
The growing deficit is the latest example of the dangers of overspending and misplaced priorities in Springfield. I believe the state must rein in spending, focus on fiscal responsibility, and protect working families from the long-term consequences of continued budget mismanagement.
Illinois’ EV Rebate Program Portal Opens on October 28
As a reminder, the Illinois EPA will open the next EV Rebate Program funding round on October 28. The funding round will run from October 28, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Applications submitted prior to Oct 28 will be rejected. A total of $14 million is available in this latest round of grants.
Illinois residents that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during a rebate cycle will be eligible for a rebate. Applicants who certify as low income are given an enhanced rebate and priority in disbursement.
There have been numerous changes to the rebate program, so please review changes on our EV Rebate website to determine if you are eligible to apply for this rebate.
October is Manufacturing Month
October is recognized as Manufacturing Month, an awareness campaign designed to celebrate and highlight Illinois’ manufacturing industry and the vital contributions manufacturers make to the state’s economy.
According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), Illinois manufacturers directly employ more than 662,000 men and women. The IMA also reports that the state’s manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact, making it Illinois’ largest industry sector and one of the fastest-growing in the Midwest.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) notes that Illinois ranks as the fourth-largest manufacturing state in the nation, home to more than 14,000 manufacturing companies across a wide range of industries.
From small, family-run businesses to large employers, manufacturers provide good-paying jobs, strengthen local economies, and create opportunities for future generations.
Earlier in the month, the IMA and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center embarked on an eight-day bus tour, dubbed Makers on the Move, to celebrate the month and shine a spotlight on manufacturers across the state. For a full list of tour stops, click here.