2026 Tax Increase Scorecard:

Illinois Politicians 2026 slogan: “We’re not happy, until you’re not happy” – Here are 5 new tax increases that Democrats in Springfield are proposing to make Illinois more ‘unaffordable.’

1. Fire Pit / Campfire Tax: Rep. Amy Murri Briel (D) Ottawa – HB4459 would fine Illinoisians $100,000 for failing to obtain a permit to use their backyard fire pit or start a campfire.
2. Grocery Bag Tax: Democrat State Rep Laura Faver Dias want you to pay 25 cents Per plastic bag (including re-usable bags), with all the money going to the State of Illinois. Failure to comply would result in a $1000 fine. #carryoutbagtax HB5112
3. 1.5 cent per mile tax. State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D‑Chicago),
   Senate Bill 3566 would establish a new Road Usage Charge Program. The per mile charge would require tracking devices to be installed in EV vehicles or self report mileage.
4. New Gasoline tax. This tax would be on top of all the other taxes Illinois motorists pay. Democrat State Rep. Will Guzzardi introduced new law that will grant authority for all Illinois counties to increase gasoline taxes as much as they want.
5. $20.00 Big Macs – Democrats State Senator Kimberly Lightford (4th District) and Representative Norma Hernandez (77th District) sponsoring a measure to increase the minimum wage to $27.00. It is estimated this measure could more than double prices you pay for everyday items.