As we come together this weekend to celebrate our nation’s 250th Birthday, I want to wish you all a very sincere Happy Independence Day! Our country is far from perfect, but our great experiment has led to liberty, freedom, and opportunity that is the envy of the world. I am grateful for the opportunities living in this great nation has afforded my family and me, and I hope that promise continues for many more generations to come!
Happy Independence Day and 250th Birthday, my fellow Americans!
New State Budget to Take Effect
I’m disappointed that at a time when our state needs to be driving affordability by providing tax relief, bringing down the cost of living that is crippling family budgets, and spurring our economy, the majority party have again passed a state budget that does the exact opposite. It’s another record budget at $55.9 billion that will chase more job creators away by raising spending by another $800 million in the form of additional taxation on the residents of Illinois, who can least afford it. This makes it eight years in a row that Governor Pritzker and the Democrats have raised taxes. They seem to want to tax regular folks in every aspect of their lives.
On top of those spending and tax increases, this budget puts more pressure on local communities by once again failing to fully fund the Local Government Distributive Fund. That means local communities face more property tax pressure to meet the needs of their communities. I was glad to see they offered a $0.60 an hour increase to those who help adults with disabilities, but this still falls short of the $2 an hour increase the Guide House report said was needed. Our most vulnerable need to be first in line, not an afterthought.
Families and small businesses across our state are struggling, and our most vulnerable continue to be left behind, yet Democrats made sure to include $220 million for pork projects for themselves, and a pay raise.
Just like every family at home, it’s long past time for the state of Illinois to live within its means. Illinois families need lower taxes, lower costs, and responsible spending. This budget does the opposite.
Click here for more on the FY27 State Budget
Bears, Megaprojects, and the Work Illinois Hasn’t Finished
The largest single private investment opportunity in Illinois history is on the table. A $3-to-$5 billion stadium and entertainment district. Thousands of construction jobs; a generational anchor for the Northwest suburbs. And right now, while Indiana moves with discipline, Illinois is busy explaining why it’s the other guy’s fault.
Enough.
I’m not interested in who fumbled which press conference, who showed up at the Capitol at midnight on May 31, or who said what about whom on a hot mic. Hoosiers don’t care about our scoreboard, and neither do the taxpayers in Arlington Heights, DeKalb, Rockford, or anywhere else in this state. They care whether their elected officials can do the work.
So, let me say plainly what the work looks like.
One, this is not a binary choice between economic development and taxpayer protection. It is a requirement to deliver both. I have said since HB 910 was first amended that I am a yes on megaproject framework legislation that protects property taxpayers, and a no on any version that lets surrounding homeowners and small businesses subsidize a private development through the back door of a frozen assessment paired with a phantom valuation. That is the central technical problem, and it is solvable.
Two, any framework that emerges from a special session should meet a basic set of taxpayer guardrails: a meaningful minimum assessed value floor tied to investment; a true PTELL fix so taxing bodies cannot levy against value they aren’t actually collecting; a hard floor on annual special payments that doesn’t disappear for the biggest projects; a review board governance structure that doesn’t hand a single taxing category the keys; an independent fiscal impact study before any agreement is executed; and an explicit prohibition on the suite-and-skybox arrangements for elected and appointed officials that have embarrassed Kansas and Washington, D.C.
Three, the Republican caucus is ready to be in the room. My colleagues, Rep. Dan Ugaste and Rep. Martin McLaughlin, have each put serious frameworks on the table. Rep. John Cabello asked weeks ago that House Republicans be included in negotiations. That request still stands. We are not the obstacle. We are part of the coalition that gets this across the goal line — but only if the negotiations are real, not performative.
Four, the Governor has said he is open to a special session. I take him at his word. House Republicans should be at that table from the first meeting, not only the last. If the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker can convene a working group this month with House and Senate Republicans included on the front end, I am confident we can deliver a framework that protects taxpayers and keeps this project and this team in Illinois.
Indiana didn’t pass its package by accident. They passed it by doing the work.
It’s time we did ours.
Beyond the Headlines with Rep. Keicher: Bears Stadium & Megaprojects
New State Laws Take Effect July 1
July 1 marks a second New Year’s Day in Illinois as a new budget takes effect along with more than a dozen new state laws.
In addition to the state’s nearly $56 billion fiscal year 2027 budget being implemented and the 1-cent motor fuel tax increase being suspended for the remainder of the year, 14 news laws will go into effect on Wednesday.
Read more on these new laws from Capitol News Illinois
Law Reducing Barriers for Senior Drivers to Take Effect July 1st
Despite many misconceptions, older drivers are actually some of the safest drivers on the road and are involved in fewer fatal crashes than other age brackets of drivers. This fact is backed up by data from IDOT and the National Safety Council.
Starting tomorrow, drivers up to 86 years old will no longer be required to take a behind-the-wheel test every year to renew their license simply because of their age. This law is a long-overdue action to respect our seniors, reduce barriers and annual costs for them to maintain their driving privileges, and see each person as an individual instead of making assumptions about them because of their age. We’ve also added additional provisions to the law that allow family to report an elder family member to the Secretary of State’s Office if there are medical or cognitive safety concerns, like police are already able to do.
I still believe we need to do more so that all road tests are determined based on more appropriate factors like driving record and ability to safely operate a vehicle, regardless of age, which I am continuing to work on, but this legislation is a critical step forward.
“Junk Fee Ban Act” Signed into Law
In an effort to combat rising costs, strengthen consumer protections, and promote transparency for consumers across Illinois, House Bill 228, also known as the ‘Junk Fee Ban Act’, has been signed into law and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Too often, especially when shopping online, you get to the checkout thinking something only costs $40 because that’s what the price says, but then you get hit with $10-20 in junk fees and surcharges.
Consumers deserve a transparent marketplace that reinforces fair competition, so you know that the price you see will be the same at checkout.
Heat Wave Across IL, Be Prepared
A heat wave has taken over much of Illinois, and dangerous conditions are expected to continue this week.
Be prepared and review these heat safety tips:
- Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during extreme heat: Heat Wave, Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Index.
- Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
- Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
- Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks.
“Java with Jeff”
To assist constituents interested in asking questions or sharing concerns about state issues or legislation, I invite you to join me for a series of “Java with Jeff” events during the month of July.
I will be making stops in Sycamore on July 9, Hinckley on July 18 and Algonquin on July 29. During each stop, complimentary coffee will be served, and I will provide a legislative update and answer questions.
Traveling Office Hours
My team will also be kicking off our summer Traveling Office Hours series on July 3 at the Algonquin Area Public Library District. My staff will be available to assist constituents with questions or concerns about state issues from 11 am to 1 pm.
We will have several stops throughout the district this July and August:
- Algonquin: Friday, July 3
- Huntley: Wednesday, July 8
- Cortland: Monday, July 13
- Burlington: Thursday, July 23
- Hinckley: Monday, July 27
- Maple Park: Friday, July 31
- Pingree Grove: Wednesday, Aug. 5
End of Session Wrap Up
Join House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and me for an End of Session Wrap Up event to discuss the major issues from the recently concluded spring legislative session.
2026 Senior Health Fair
Our annual free Senior Health Fair is returning to DeKalb High School on July 15, 2026. The Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the cafeteria. Dozens of local and state organizations will be on hand to discuss programs and services available for seniors. The Fair will feature free admission, free refreshments and free screenings.
I hope you’ve found this update helpful. I’m honored to serve you as your State Representative. As always, please feel welcome to call or e-mail me with any questions, concerns, or feedback on these or any other issues.
Sincerely,
Jeff Keicher