Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued Executive Order 2025-05, instructing state agencies to identify 4% across-the-board budget reserves in response to a shortfall in projected revenues for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. The order comes after the FY26 budget, passed by the Democratic supermajority and signed into law in June 2025, included over $1 billion in tax increases and other measures but was only narrowly balanced on paper.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie criticized the Governor's approach, stating, “Pritzker blaming Trump and not Democratic policies impacting the economy is a smokescreen for more tax increases.” She added, “We warned that this budget was irresponsible and overspent. Stop passing blame, Governor. Illinoisans aren’t buying that recent policy changes in Washington, D.C. are to blame for the decades of Illinois financial mismanagement.”
The executive order comes amid ongoing concerns about Illinois' economic performance compared to neighboring states. In August 2025, Illinois reported an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is higher than both the national average of 4.3% and Indiana’s rate of 3.6%. The Tax Foundation ranks Illinois 37th among U.S. states for overall tax competitiveness.
McCombie emphasized calls from House Republicans for greater transparency in budgeting processes: “Transparency first.House Republicans have demanded real transparency across agencies and the budget process, including time to review billion-dollar bills and clear accounting of dedicated funds.” She also highlighted agency mismanagement as an area needing attention.
The FY26 budget totals $55.2 billion—approximately $2 billion more than last year—and includes $1 billion in new taxes along with fund sweeps and cuts affecting areas such as education and public safety.
In agriculture news, corn and soybean harvests are underway ahead of schedule according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As of early this week, 12% of corn fields had been harvested along with 9% of soybeans; both figures exceed five-year averages for this period. Crop conditions remain mostly favorable but dry weather has affected pasture quality.
On immigration policy, House Republicans continue efforts to repeal Illinois’ sanctuary state provisions encapsulated by the TRUST Act. Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond described these laws as “dangerous and costly,” citing billions spent on healthcare and benefits for undocumented immigrants. Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer stated that “Governor Pritzker’s failed sanctuary state policy has cost Illinois taxpayers billions of dollars and made our communities less safe.” Representative Mike Coffey said: “Illinois citizens are struggling to pay for healthcare while migrants receive free Cadillac coverage—this is not fair to Illinois families.”
Following a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas—the third such incident in Texas this year—McCombie released a statement: “The recent shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas—the third of its kind in Texas this year—is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable... Politically motivated violence has no place in our constitutional republic... I stand firmly with law enforcement and public servants who face heightened risk every day, and I will continue to defend the rule of law...”
Estimates indicate that services provided by Illinois to undocumented immigrants cost more than $3 billion annually.
In labor news related to manufacturing jobs, State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik reported on successful efforts by local leaders—including engagement with federal officials—to keep steel slab production running at Granite City Works (GCW). They credited decisive action by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with securing continued operations at GCW following threats earlier this month that production would cease.
Property taxes remain a major concern among residents; according to State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), high property taxes are driving people out of state: “High property taxes drive out our families, businesses, and keep investment from happening.” McCombie noted bipartisan support behind SB2156—a measure aimed at helping seniors stay in their homes through raised income eligibility thresholds—which awaits further consideration during October’s Veto Session.
Other legislative proposals introduced by House Republicans aim at lowering property taxes through various mechanisms including district surplus management (HB1321), homestead exemptions (HB1746), taxpayer empowerment measures (HB2543), senior exemption improvements (HB3723), general homestead adjustments (HB3724), limits on extensions (HB4010), and assessment reforms (HB4011).
Additionally, the Illinois Department of Revenue announced a tax amnesty program running from October 1 through November 17 allowing payment of past-due state taxes without penalties or interest—a result stemming from legislation adopted earlier this year.
McCombie was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 89th House District in 2023 after succeeding Andrew Chesney.
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