DeKalb Times

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) questions who is going to sign the tax rebate checks that will go into many households in Illinois and whether that person will run for election in November.

"It's an election year and I'm really curious about whose name is going to be at the bottom of these checks. Will the signer also be someone who will appear on the ballot in November?" Keicher asked from the House floor on April 9. "We have virtually every household in the state of Illinois earning under $200,000 receiving a check in an election year from someone running for office. ... I think that we would have some administrative person or role that is not elected ... who should be able to sign checks on behalf of the state of Illinois? This is an election year it's a slippery slope. I'd like to see if we can't find an alternative to that." 

Senate Bill 157, which lays out revenue-related measures and the tax relief proposal, passed both the Senate and the House unanimously on April 9. But Republicans are not really happy with the bill.

The main aim of SB 157 was to give some tax relief amid inflation. However, the tax breaks are not here for long and are valid only till after the election. 

"Supporting this package of tax breaks is the right thing to do as we fight the effects of inflation that is continuing to run rampant," Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) said, the Metropolis Planet reported. "The sales tax on gas disproportionately hurts the middle class and those that live in rural areas. Those in rural areas drive 20 to 30 miles a day and more to get to work, go to the doctor and more. When people in rural areas have to go somewhere, we have to drive. Because of Illinois' oppressive tax structure, we have to pay for gas, and we pay a lot. Sometimes up to 70 cents per gallon more than other states. We should limit, suspend or permanently eliminate the sales tax on gasoline to provide lasting relief."

Senate Bill 157 also creates the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act, which was a big selling point for Republican legislators.