NW Illinois News

The start of the new fiscal year in Illinois has brought several tax increases, as implemented by Statehouse Democrats. The changes include higher telecommunications taxes for phone users, an automatic annual increase in the gas tax, and a new tax on short-term vacation rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO. Additionally, taxes on cigars, vaping products, and other tobacco items have risen from 36% to 45%. Sports betting is now subject to a wager tax on every bet placed. Business owners are also facing increased taxes, which may result in higher costs for consumers.

Senator Andrew Chesney expressed his opposition to these hikes: "Though it probably goes without saying, I voted against every one of these tax hikes."

In national news, the U.S. House of Representatives approved President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 3. Senator Chesney issued a statement following this development: “Today’s passage of the Big Beautiful Bill in the U.S. House marks a major victory for hardworking Americans and the values that built this nation." He emphasized that the bill provides relief by eliminating federal taxes on tips, cutting middle-class taxes, ending Social Security taxes for most seniors, reducing red tape for small businesses, and enhancing border security.

Chesney highlighted the contrast between Republican efforts at the federal level and Democratic policies in Illinois: "While Democrats in Springfield hike taxes year after year...Republicans are fighting to put money back in your pocket."

On July 1, legislation aimed at reforming pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was signed into law with support from Senator Chesney. House Bill 1697 seeks to address issues such as spread pricing and steering patients toward preferred pharmacies owned by PBMs. It mandates that all rebates be returned to patients and plan sponsors.

According to the Illinois Pharmacists Association, many counties are becoming pharmacy deserts due to independent pharmacies being pushed out of business by PBMs' practices. In 2024 alone, over 85 independent pharmacies closed down across Illinois.

Supporters believe this legislation will help control prescription prices and provide relief for those struggling with medication costs: "This proposal was a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system."