For Immediate Release: June 1, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]
ILLINOIS — Throughout this legislative session, General Assembly members heard from their constituents that our communities are facing an affordability crisis. As the Trump administration slashes services, healthcare, and education to finance tax breaks to billionaires, and as the Governor’s proposed budget included cuts and underfunded vital programs, the General Assembly needed to act boldly to ensure Illinoisians have what they need to thrive.
We applaud the inclusion of a digital ads tax (Sen. Robert Peters/Rep. Norma Hernandez) that should bring in more than $1 billion in revenue to the state each year, and a modest bill removing a Trump tax break from our state tax code. The digital ads tax especially is a major victory for Illinoisans, as the revenue generated will come from big tech and large corporations, not everyday families. When fully enacted, these provisions will generate significant future revenue, and ILRA members will organize to ensure that these funds are invested in communities and services across the state.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the FY27 budget is insufficient and will result in harmful reductions to critical services for families across our state. The General Assembly stopped short of what it could have done to generate needed revenue, fully fund essential services and education, and restore cuts to vital programs that were slashed in Trump’s HR1. Nearly $3 billion in combined revenue from ILRA’s full decoupling proposal, billionaire wealth tax, and taxing offshore profits were left out of the final budget. This year was a test of political priorities, and too many programs and budget lines that could have been made whole by passing progressive revenue solutions remain underfunded, including equitable pay for home care workers, healthcare, public education, and more.
As the deadly attacks of HR1 continue to go into effect and are felt by families across the state, ILRA members will return to Springfield for Veto Session this fall and a potential lame duck session in the new year to ensure all Illinoisans have the resources they need to thrive. Illinois still has one of the most unequal tax structures in the country, and we remain committed to long-term solutions that ensure large corporations, big tech, and the wealthiest residents pay their fair share of taxes to fully fund services and shift the burden off low- and middle-income families.
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Illinois Revenue Alliance is a coalition of labor unions, community-based organizations, and legal advocacy centers. We advocate for sustained and equitable revenue streams to fund essential programs that help low- and moderate-income families thrive.
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