Illinois State Representative Chris Miller has criticized Democratic lawmakers for what he describes as a lack of support for American citizens over undocumented immigrants. “…A Stunning Moment was When Not One Democrat Would Stand Up and Say That They Were Willing to Put American Citizens In Front of Illegal Aliens,” Miller stated.
Miller addressed the recent state of the state and budget speech delivered by Governor J.B. Pritzker, noting that issues such as property taxes and plans for a new Chicago Bears stadium were not mentioned in the address. According to Miller, Illinois currently has the highest property taxes in the country, which he says is causing residents to leave for neighboring Indiana. He also suggested that the absence of discussion about property taxes or the Bears stadium may be related to ongoing negotiations involving tax breaks for the football team.
The Illinois House recently advanced HB 910, known as the “Mega Project” bill, out of committee with a 13-7 partisan vote. The legislation would provide incentives such as a 40-year property tax freeze at a negotiated lower amount, requirements for diversity spending, project labor agreements, and sales tax exemptions on building materials. These provisions are designed to attract large investments, including but not limited to a new Bears stadium.
Meanwhile, Indiana moved quickly on similar legislation aimed at attracting the Bears, with its governor signing their version into law within about a week (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47977218/indiana-unanimously-passes-bill-lure-bears-away-chicago). Miller commented: “My bottom line – if Pritzker wants to make a deal on property taxes, then We the People get a deal on property taxes too.”
Miller also criticized certain Democratic members of Congress from Illinois—including Delia Ramirez—for boycotting President Trump’s State of the Union address. He stated: “They took an oath of office.” He added that these lawmakers “were elected to represent EVERYONE in their district…and it was their duty to be in attendance on our behalf.” Miller further accused Governor Pritzker and others of being dishonest regarding their reasons for not attending.
Turning to education policy, Miller expressed opposition to Senate Bill 3966, which would prevent Illinois from joining the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. He argued that this move would block privately donated funds intended for student services such as tutoring and educational therapies from benefiting students in Illinois (https://www.illinoispolicy.org/new-bill-would-block-scholarship-money-for-students/).
Addressing state finances, Miller quoted Brian Costin of Americans For Prosperity-Illinois: “When it comes to state finances, Governor J.B. Pritzker has compiled the worst record of any governor in modern American history. Independent, nonpartisan authorities say Illinois has the worst tax burden, the worst bond rating, and the worst financial transparency in the nation. You do not get those rankings by accident.” Costin continued: “Illinois is a case study in fiscal failure and has held the lowest bond rating of any state for more than a decade. After eight years under Governor Pritzker, Illinoisans have learned to be skeptical of his budget promises because the fine print has meant higher taxes, more borrowing, and less transparency.”
Miller raised concerns about proposed statewide zoning laws that would bring subsidized housing into all neighborhoods—a plan backed by Governor Pritzker—arguing it could limit local authority over land use decisions.
Chris Miller was elected as a Republican representative to serve Illinois’ 101st House District in 2023 after replacing Reggie Phillips.
Residents seeking assistance with state agencies can contact Representative Miller’s office at 217-508-4108 or visit at 1113 Lincoln Ave., Charleston during business hours.
