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
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie discussed the recent legislative veto session in an interview with Fox 32 Chicago’s Paris Schutz, highlighting key issues such as transit and energy policy.
During the session, Democratic lawmakers approved nearly $11 billion in new spending over two days. Governor JB Pritzker stated that Democrats are focused on affordability, but critics argue that Illinois continues to lead the nation in property taxes, combined state and local taxes, and cell phone tax rates. McCombie said the energy bill passed during the session does not create new power generation but gives more authority to unelected officials to raise utility bills. She also argued it would negatively impact downstate families while benefiting unproven battery storage technologies.
McCombie emphasized that House Republicans are offering solutions to address affordability concerns. Their proposals include a comprehensive energy strategy, transit reform before additional funding, protection for downstate infrastructure, ethics reform, government accountability measures, and support for legislation like Rep. Regan Deering’s bill (HB 3543) to establish a Cost of Living Task Force.
The press release also addressed ongoing corruption concerns following former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s appeal of his conviction on bribery-related charges. Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison after being found guilty on ten counts by a federal jury. His legal team argues that his actions were typical of state politics rather than criminal conduct and seeks to overturn the conviction entirely. McCombie criticized Democrats for not advancing any ethics reforms during the fall veto session despite public mistrust: “Illinoisans are tired of the corruption and insider politics that have become business as usual in Springfield,” she said.
Political rhetoric was another topic raised by McCombie following comments made by Governor Pritzker at an event with the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Pritzker used strong language directed at former President Donald Trump and his supporters, which McCombie described as inconsistent with calls for civility: “The Governor loves to lecture others about civility, but his actions show otherwise.” In response to rising political tensions, Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer introduced HR 494—a resolution condemning political violence and urging civil bipartisan dialogue.
November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The press release notes that over 230,000 Illinois residents live with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 300,000 caregivers provide unpaid care each year. State Republicans have supported legislation expanding caregiver programs and access to respite care while ensuring resources through agencies like the Illinois Department on Aging remain available. The state hosts three major Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers at Northwestern University, Rush University Medical Center, and SIU School of Medicine.
A recent survey conducted with help from the Illinois Policy Institute found high taxes were cited as the top issue among Illinois voters polled in October 2025; more than half selected it as their primary concern above other topics such as crime or education. Despite these concerns, Democratic lawmakers passed legislation decoupling certain features of state tax law from federal provisions—expected to increase fiscal year 2026 revenue by $250 million—with no Republican support (SB 1911). Business leaders expressed worry this move could make it harder for companies to grow or relocate within Illinois due to changes affecting asset depreciation deductions.
Veterans Day will be observed on Tuesday, November 11th across Illinois with offices closed statewide in recognition of military service members’ contributions throughout U.S history—including World War I through present conflicts—and their families’ sacrifices alongside them.
McCombie also reminded constituents about an upcoming Mobile DMV event in Byron; further details can be found at RepMcCombie.com.
McCombie has represented Illinois' 89th House District since her election in 2023 after succeeding Andrew Chesney.
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