Illinois Faces Impact from Federal Tax-and-Spend Bill
Illinois policymakers are assessing the implications of a recent federal tax-and-spend bill approved by the U.S. House, awaiting Senate consideration. This legislation extends 2017 tax cuts and boosts funding for food assistance and Medicaid. A key change proposes raising the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction threshold from $10,000 to $40,000, which State Rep. Ryan Spain believes could retain taxpayers but acknowledges other state policies may drive families away.
The Illinois General Assembly is in session until May 31 to finalize the state budget, with potential summer sessions anticipated to navigate federal funding impacts. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget cuts include the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, which has cost taxpayers over $1.6 billion due to eligibility reporting flaws; however, support remains for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors.
As discussions continue, advocates, like Grace Pai from Asians Advance, are urging state tax increases to meet health care needs for immigrant adults, especially with possible federal Medicaid cuts projected to affect Illinois taxpayers by $10 billion over nine years. There is heightened concern about the loss of health care access for many Illinois residents, as highlighted by Pritzker and State Sen. Terri Bryant, who emphasizes prioritizing citizens in state spending.
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