NW Illinois News

Li Arellano Jr., the state senator for Illinois District 37, has expressed opposition to Senate Bill 1872, citing concerns that it would increase grocery costs for families. He articulated his stance in a Facebook post on April 2.

"Illinois families are already paying more for groceries, gas, and everyday essentials—and we have the higher overall tax burden of the 50 states," said Arellano Jr., according to Facebook. "Now Springfield wants to add another cost every time you check out at the store. Senate Bill 1872 bans plastic shopping bags *AND* forces you to pay at least 10 cents per paper bag. That means higher grocery bills for hardworking families who are already struggling to make ends meet."

Senate Bill 1872, known as the Plastic Bag Reduction Act, seeks to ban retail establishments from providing single-use plastic checkout bags starting July 1, 2026. Retailers would be allowed to offer recycled paper or reusable bags instead, with a proposed fee of 10 cents per recycled bag. The bill exempts governmental food assistance programs and includes amendments delaying its effective date to January 1, 2029. Senator Cristina Castro sponsored the bill and filed it on February 6, 2025.

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's April 2 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano Jr.'s Facebook page

Arellano further elaborated on his position through social media, saying: "This bill has passed committee, and my frustration is that it is yet another in a long line of cost-inflating bills I have seen introduced in Springfield. This is a one-size-fits-all mandate that strips local communities of control and makes life more expensive for families who can least afford it. Why must every government solution be through mandates, higher taxes, and higher cost of living? Where is the legislation that would REDUCE inflation and cost of living?"

The debate over plastic bag usage extends beyond Senate Bill 1872. According to The Center Square, another bill in the state House of Representatives aims to reduce single-use plastic bags by prohibiting their distribution by stores and food service businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business opposes this legislation due to concerns about increased costs for low-income residents.

Arellano previously served two terms as Mayor of Dixon and owns several businesses including two Jimmy John’s franchises and a frozen yogurt shop called the Frosted Spoon. Shaw Local reported he campaigned on promises to address issues following Rita Crundwell’s $54 million fraud case during her tenure as Dixon's treasurer from 1983 to 2012.