McHenry Times

Illinois State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) is criticizing Democratic lawmakers for passing pay raises for themselves as the state faces soaring levels of inflation and is calling for tax reform measures. 

"Like many Illinois taxpayers I watched in complete dismay as the house Democrats passed an inflation economy pay raise to politicians–twice the rate of inflation–nearly 17%. We shouldn't support giveaways to politicians while Illinois families suffer under record-high inflation," McLaughlin said on the House floor at the Jan. 31 meeting. "High Energy prices, High food costs and now as we've heard this morning the threat of higher income taxes under new proposals from the Democrats."

McLaughlin said that the current proposal is contradictory to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's promise for temporary tax relief and potentially permanent tax relief. Pritzker had made comments about tax relief in his inaugural speech in response to positive forecasts for the state budget. McLaughlin proposed that lawmakers should create a revenue estimate to assist in budgeting. 

"Setting and adhering to a revenue estimate is not only constitutionally required but it's also the critical first step to responsible budgeting. Unfortunately, the Illinois House Democrats have repeatedly failed in the standing practice. Adopting and adhering to revenue estimates provide the general assembly and those who rely upon us–advocates, community leaders, local governments and residents of the framework–for what to expect during a budget negotiation. It also makes it more difficult once you state publicly what your revenue estimate is for the majority party to sneak in last-minute revenue and budget changes in the final hours of session."

McLaughlin said that he and his fellow GOP lawmakers are proposing tax reform measures that include public review, public hearings, increased transparency, and more time to review a budget before passing it. 

"Many of the reform proposals we discussed seem like common sense and frankly they're very primary business principles. Don't spend more than you bring in. I know that sounds radical here in Springfield but it should be what everybody does at their kitchen table on a monthly basis. Prioritize your spending based on shared priorities, working with the other side of the aisle and then monitor your spending to ensure that the costs don't outpace revenues. Not really a radical idea to families that are trying to make ends meet. With more common sense, adopting these kinds of good government reform measures we can make real progress in addressing Illinois fiscal challenges and restoring trust with taxpayers and job creators and businesses that we need to attract more than ever to grow our revenue base in Illinois."

According to a press release, the Illinois House Republican budget team is headed by Rep. Norine Hammond and Rep. Amy Elik. Hammond has been a member of the Higher Education Committee and has also advocated for reform and cost-cutting measures throughout her time as a representative. Rep. Elik previously served on the House Republican budget team, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability and other financial committees.

Illinois State Rep. Martin McLaughlin was first elected to the Illinois House in 2020 and resides in Barrington Hills, according to the Illinois House. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Revenue & Finance and Prescription Drug Affordability.