East Central Reporter

Brad Halbrook, representative for Illinois House District 107, said that Democrats proposed a tax hike on services that did not pass. However, he anticipates the plan will return because, in his view, Democrats require funding for what he described as excessive spending.

"This spring, Democrats floated the idea of a tax hike on services across Illinois," said Halbrook, State Representative from Illinois, according to Facebook. "Thankfully, it did not pass this session but that doesn't mean we're out of the woods. We're certain this plan will resurface as Dems scramble to find ways to fund their out-of-control spending habits. Our residents can't afford it."

According to Halbrook's Facebook post, it links to a website from Americans for Prosperity that outlines Illinois' tax burdens. The site notes a combined state and local tax burden of 16.51% and highlights more than 80 proposed service tax increases. Among these proposals is a 6.25% statewide sales tax on services such as aircraft leases and rentals longer than 60 days, armored car services, golf and country club dues, and commercial recreation fees. Other affected services would include barber and beauty shop services; landscaping, lawn care, tree trimming and removal; mini storage; furniture repair and cleaning; farm implement repairs; dry cleaning, pressing, dyeing and laundering; and household appliance, TV and radio repair.

Screenshot of State Representative Brad Halbrook's June 21 Facebook post | State Represetative Brad Halbrook's Facebo

On May 31, legislators approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget but rejected a proposed expansion of state taxes on services intended to fund an overhaul of Chicago’s mass transit system. According to ABC 7's report, the proposal included a $1.50 fee on food and package deliveries, a statewide tax on electric vehicle charging, among other changes. The revenue from those taxes was aimed at helping the Regional Transportation Authority address a $771 million budget shortfall.

A report from Illinois Policy details a proposed expansion of the state sales tax to encompass personal services and other areas to increase government revenue and support Chicago’s transit systems. The tax would apply statewide rather than just in the Chicago area and was advocated by Democrats before the General Assembly’s May 31 adjournment. According to the report, this tax could generate nearly $2 billion for the state, $50 million for counties, almost $400 million for city governments, and $315 million for the Regional Transportation Authority. The report also mentions that Chicago residents already pay a tax on streaming services and that Illinois ranks seventh in the nation for highest tax burden.

Halbrook was elected as a state representative in 2023. He previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 102nd District (2017-2022) and from the 110th District (2012-2015).