State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
The Illinois General Assembly has concluded the 2024 spring legislative session, finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2025. Early Wednesday morning, House Democrats approved a $1 billion tax increase on citizens and businesses to fund new spending initiatives, including healthcare services for non-citizens and projects in Democrat districts.
House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis) was actively involved in the budget debate. Windhorst pointed out that House Rule 72 allows only two votes on a motion to concur. He accused Democrats of violating this rule by requiring a third vote to pass their revenue enhancement package.
Despite holding 78 seats in the chamber, Democrats needed three attempts to secure the 60 votes necessary to approve over $1.1 billion in revenue increases. These increases include higher taxes on sportsbooks and businesses aimed at balancing the $53.1 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2025.
“I think it should be clear to everyone in this state what this super majority is willing to do to ram a tax increase down the throats of the citizens of Illinois at 4:30 in the morning,” Windhorst stated, his voice rising during his remarks. “Three votes! Three votes!”
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