From State Rep. Dan Ugaste:
Tax Your Campfires?
| When it comes to staying warm, some Illinois House Democrats seem determined to make it as expensive as possible. First came their massive energy rate hike last fall. Now, Representative Briel is proposing legislation that would allow municipalities to charge a fee just for lighting a campfire. House Bill 4459 would open the door for local governments to impose a $5 charge on open burns, including campfires, as well as potential additional regulation by the Illinois EPA. For families, campers, and anyone simply trying to enjoy the outdoors, this is effectively another tax on everyday life. As Democrats claim to be fighting for affordability, it’s fair to ask: how does taxing campfires accomplish that? The answer is simple. It doesn’t. This is just the latest example of Democrats driving up the cost of living for Illinois families. Their record speaks for itself: Passed an $8 billion energy rate hike to subsidize unreliable green energy. Approved a transit bill that also allows for toll increases up to $1 billion and higher RTA sales taxes. Enacted the largest budget in state history, relying on $700 million in new taxes. With Bag Tax, the Cost of Living Would Continue to Rise For the supermajority, if families need or enjoy it – whether it’s energy, transportation, or now even a campfire, their approach continues to make Illinois less affordable. House Republicans remain committed this legislative session to real solutions that address affordability by reining in spending and cutting taxes. Illinois families deserve relief, not another bill to pay. Democratic State Representative Laura Faver Dias has filed a bill to bring back the proposed bag tax, just another example of driving up the cost of living on Illinois families. Under Faver Dias’ proposal, a new carryout bag tax would be imposed and then increased by five cents each year through 2030. The tax would apply to paper, plastic, and even reusable bags. Bag fee schedule: 10 cents per carryout bag starting January 1, 2027 15 cents in 2028 20 cents in 2029 25 cents in 2030 Just last month, Speaker Welch claimed Democrats were fighting for affordability. But based on the bills they’ve filed so far, it’s hard to understand how. House Republicans have continued to call for lowering the cost of living and reining in out-of-control spending. We have filed numerous bills to help working families, including my bill, HB0009, to lower property taxes. |
