East Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville has voiced his support for the recent passage of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act" by the United States House of Representatives. This bill proposes significant tax changes, including an increase in the estate tax threshold from $13 million to $15 million starting in 2026, with future adjustments for inflation.

Halbrook emphasized the potential benefits of this legislation for farming and rural communities. "This legislation will be a game changer for many, especially those in farming and rural communities, allowing folks to keep their land and businesses when a family member dies, instead of surrendering it to pay a tax bill," he stated. He noted that Illinois is among the few states still imposing a state estate tax, which complicates financial planning for families compared to federal requirements.

He further argued that ending the state's estate tax would not significantly impact state revenue. "The loss in revenue Illinois would see as a result of ending this tax does not even equal what the Governor wants to spend on healthcare for illegal immigrants," Halbrook said. He believes that removing this tax could prevent successful retirees and business owners from leaving Illinois and provide relief to farmers and business owners.

Halbrook criticized the Illinois estate tax as detrimental to economic success and generational wealth. "The Illinois estate tax is a tax on success, a tax on generation wealth, and a tax on dreams. It punishes those that have planned, saved, and invested in our communities for decades," he concluded.

For more information, Rep. Halbrook can be contacted at (217) 342-0220 or through his website at RepHalbrook.com.