By Terri Bryant, Illinois State Senator
Democrats Pass Controversial Energy Legislation
In the late hours of the final day of the General Assembly’s fall Veto Session, Illinois Democrats passed their so-called “Energy Omnibus Bill,” which eliminates limits on how much energy rates can be increased, opening the door for an $8 billion hike on power bills.
Critics warn the law will drive up costs for families already struggling with high utility bills while directing billions toward special-interest projects and unproven technology that will not make energy more affordable or reliable. The measure also strips away local control, allowing large battery storage facilities to be built within 150 feet of a home or farm with no recourse for local governments to object.
State Senator Terri Bryant says families across Illinois are already being crushed by rising costs, and instead of offering real relief, this proposal makes things worse. She says that by removing these protections and giving unelected agencies unlimited power to raise rates, the legislation will make energy more expensive and less reliable for Illinois families.
Springfield Democrats Push New Tax Hike Disguised as “Decoupling”
In the early hours of the morning, Springfield Democrats advanced a controversial proposal to “decouple” Illinois from federal tax relief measures designed to help businesses recover and grow. The Democrats’ plan, which effectively raises taxes on businesses, manufacturers, and other job creators, is being criticized as another short-sighted tax grab that threatens jobs, investment, and working families across the state.
Senate Bill 1911 would “decouple” Illinois from historic federal relief efforts, which Republican lawmakers warn would make Illinois even less competitive at a time when other states are cutting taxes and attracting new investment.
Currently, Illinois faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and Senate Republicans say this new tax hike would only make matters worse. Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business.
State Senator Terri Bryant said Governor Pritzker and his allies are prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term economic stability. She argues that instead of creating jobs and helping families get ahead, Democrats are choosing yet another tax hike that raises costs, drives away opportunity, and makes it even harder for Illinois families to succeed.
Senate Bill 1911 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Controversial Transit Legislation Passes General Assembly
After two years of public hearings and endless negotiations, Springfield Democrats rammed through a sweeping public transit bill in the early hours of October 31.
Senate Bill 2111, a controversial proposal to address Chicago’s failing transit system, was called during the final hours of the fall Veto Session, sparking criticism over both the timing and the substance of the proposal.
The controversial measure draws new revenue from several sources, including redirecting revenue from the state’s motor fuel sales tax. State Senator Terri Bryant says that this proposal would strip critical funding from downstate infrastructure projects to bail out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his failing transit system.
Senator Bryant voted no on Senate Bill 2111, arguing this plan raises costs for families who can least afford it and takes more from our communities to cover for Chicago’s spending problems.
Senate Bill 2111 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.