On Affordability, Democrats Say One Thing and Do Another

Throughout the spring legislative session, Democrats repeatedly claimed affordability was their top priority for Illinois families. But when it came time to deliver, they did what Illinois families have come to expect: said one thing and did another.

Instead of providing relief to working families struggling with rising costs, House Democrats passed the largest budget in Illinois history, a $55.9 billion spending plan propped up by $800 million in new tax hikes.

Before session began, Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch made affordability the centerpiece of Democrats' agenda saying, "Everything's about affordability and that's going to be our focus."

But after passing a record-setting budget packed with $800 million in new tax hikes, that's hardly the case. Instead of taking responsibility, Speaker Welch declared victory claiming the new fiscal year budget was "focused on affordability."

For House Republicans, cost cutting in the budget could have included:

• $110 million on healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants over the age of 65.
• $40 million for welcoming centers, continuing Illinois' red-carpet treatment of illegal immigrants.
• The 3% pay raise for lawmakers

While Democrats talked about affordability, House Republicans offered real solutions to lower costs for Illinois families. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie backed measures like HB 5611, which would provide property tax relief. For McCombie, the work continues and the fight for real relief will not stop.