Tony McCombie: Affordability cannot exist without government oversight – WQAD

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers in both parties say affordability is their top priority this legislative session. But they differ on how to make that happen. 

Illinois House Republicans are accusing Democratic leaders of undermining affordability with increased spending and taxes, arguing that recent policies have driven up costs for families and businesses while offering little accountability.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said Democrats have embraced the language of affordability while advancing policies she said do the opposite. Republicans, she said, have long focused on reducing spending, lowering taxes and promoting economic growth.

“You can’t have affordability without accountability,” McCombie said at a Capitol news conference on Jan. 21. 

McCombie criticized recent legislative sessions in which Democrats authorized billions of dollars in new spending, including a proposed $2.5 billion transit package, which she said lacks transparency and oversight. She argued that true affordability would focus on expanding Illinois’ tax base rather than increasing government revenue through higher taxes.

Democrats argue the transit package is needed to modernize the state’s aging public transportation. Making the upgrades will make traveling safer and more efficient for passengers, Democrats say.  

Republicans outlined a series of proposals they say would put more money back into residents’ pockets, including eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime, providing relief on car loan interest and expanding education tax credits. Illinois already has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, McCombie said, adding that affordability “cannot be a political buzzword.”

Assistant Deputy Republican Leader Amy Elik, who represents the 111th District in the Metro East, said high taxes are pushing families and businesses out of Illinois, particularly in border regions where residents can move to neighboring states with lower costs.

“In Missouri, lawmakers are even working toward eliminating the state income tax by identifying responsible budget cuts,” Elik said. “That’s what leadership looks like.”

Elik, a certified public accountant, said Republicans are routinely excluded from budget discussions, leading to what she described as bloated budgets and a lack of transparency. She criticized the administration for denying a Freedom of Information Act request related to a gubernatorial executive order intended to identify waste and redundancies in state agencies.

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski of Rockford said Democratic policies, including recent energy legislation and funding for Chicago-area transit, are increasing costs for working families and seniors statewide. He cited estimates that a new clean energy law could raise annual electricity bills by more than $100 and pointed to rising tolls, gas taxes and state spending, which he said has increased about 40% over the past seven years.

Sosnowski also criticized Illinois for opting out of a federal provision allowing workers to exclude a portion of tips from taxation, saying the decision hurts service workers and other hourly employees. He said Republicans have introduced legislation to reverse that decision and to limit property tax increases, particularly for seniors.

During a question-and-answer session, Republican leaders pushed back on Democratic claims that federal policies, including tariffs and reduced federal aid, are driving Illinois’ budget challenges. McCombie blamed state-level decisions, including spending on immigrant services and energy legislation, for higher costs.

McCombie also rejected renewed discussion of a graduated income tax or a so-called millionaire’s tax, saying voters have already rejected the idea and neighboring states are moving toward flatter tax structures.

Asked about the upcoming budget address, McCombie said she hopes the governor proposes a flat or smaller budget than last year’s roughly $55 billion plan and avoids what she described as pork projects.

“As the minority party, our job is to be the check on one-party rule,” McCombie said. “Affordability has to be backed by responsible budgeting, smart tax policy and honest management.”

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