SPRINGFIELD, IL – House Republicans State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) and State Representative Kyle Moore (R-Quincy) held a Zoom press conference on Wednesday to alert Illinois taxpayers about two pending legislative proposals that would increase taxes on campfires and grocery bags.
Rep. Severin provided details on HB 4459, which would impose a new $5 tax on backyard campfires and burn pits, and HB 5112, which would create a new graduated tax scheme for plastic, paper, and even reusable grocery bags.
“The campfire tax would charge up to $5 for permits for open burns, including backyard fire pits and campfires, with high potential fines for non-compliance,” Severin said. “Under the all-kinds-of grocery-bags tax proposal, every carryout bag—paper, plastic, and even reusable bags would be taxed, and the tax would automatically increase every year. Between taxing your backyard campfire and the bags you would use to carry home the S’mores you planned to make at that campfire, Democrats want to be in your pocket every step of the way,” Severin said.
The grocery bag tax proposal would impose a 10-cent per bag tax in 2027, 15 cents in 2028, 20 cents in 2029, and 25 cents in 2030.
Representative Moore issued a challenge to rank-and-file Democrats to speak out against the proposed tax hikes.
“When we see legislation like a grocery bag tax or a campfire tax introduced in Springfield, House Republicans are going to call it out for what it is – an assault on your wallet, and we won’t stand for it,” Moore said. “I call on my Democrat colleagues to do the same. If you truly care about affordability, let’s hear you say it, “I oppose the grocery bag tax.” “I oppose the campfire tax.”
House and Senate lawmakers will be in Springfield at the same time for the first time next week, when Governor Pritzker is slated to deliver his combined State of the State and Budget Address.
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