Metro East Sun

Jason Plummer, a State Representative from Illinois, expressed concerns about new tax increases taking effect in the state. He argued that residents already face the highest tax burden in the nation. Plummer made this statement on Facebook.

"It's July 1st, everybody, so if you live in Illinois you know what that means...the Democrats are raising your taxes again," said Robert Jason Plummer, State Senator for Illinois, according to Facebook. "Illinois is broke. Illinois is corrupt. And you are paying for it. Illinoisans carry the highest tax burden in the country, yet that is not enough for the majority party as they hollow out our state and take opportunity away from our families. If any politician or media person tells you that the state budget is balanced, they are lying to you."

On July 1, 2025, Illinois enacted a series of tax increases affecting motor fuel, sports wagering, tobacco, and telecommunication services. Lawmakers cited a $3 billion budget gap and the need to support state services as reasons for these measures, according to Fox 32 Chicago.

According to WalletHub, Illinois has the seventh-highest state and local tax burden in the United States. Taxes amount to 10.22% of personal income, reflecting a consistently high fiscal load on residents compared to most other states.

The Illinois Policy Institute reports that since 2019, Illinois has implemented approximately 70 tax and fee increases. These measures have generated over $110 billion in additional revenue, with notable hikes in gas, tobacco, and gambling taxes.

Plummer is a Republican state senator representing District 55 and has been serving since 2018. According to the Illinois General Assembly, he focuses on tax policy, regulatory reform, and economic development and currently holds the role of Assistant Republican Leader.