East Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, representative for Illinois' 110th State House District, said that Illinois families should not bear the burden of what he describes as the Democrats' relentless spending. He warned constituents to be alert for a new tax proposal.

"Democrats' insatiable appetite for spending comes at a high cost to Illinoisans," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative for 110th District (R), according to Facebook. "Be on the lookout for the latest tax hike proposal floated by Dems, which will raise costs on everyday services in Illinois. Hardworking Illinois families don't deserve this."

According to Wilhour's Facebook post, he links to a website by Americans for Prosperity that outlines Illinois’ tax burdens, including a combined state and local tax rate of 16.51%. The site highlights more than 80 proposed service tax increases. Among them 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 include barber and beauty shops; 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 Blaine Wilhour's June 25 Facebook post | State Representative Blaine WIlhour's Facebook page

A report from Illinois Policy outlines a proposed statewide expansion of the sales tax to include personal services and other areas. The measure aims to increase government revenue and support Chicago’s transit systems. The tax proposal was pushed by Democrats before the General Assembly’s May 31 adjournment. It 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 notes that Chicago residents already pay a tax on streaming services and that Illinois ranks seventh nationally for the highest tax burden.

On May 31, legislators approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget but rejected a proposed expansion of state taxes on services that would have funded an overhaul of Chicago’s mass transit system. According to ABC7 News, 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 these taxes was intended to help the Regional Transportation Authority address a $771 million budget shortfall.

Rep. Blaine Wilhour has served the people of the 110th District since 2019. He is a lifelong Illinois resident who served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1999-2005 and deployed to Europe in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His political career includes a term on the Fayette County Board. He is also a managing partner at his family’s post-frame construction company in Effingham County.