The 2026 Statehouse Agenda
Senate President Don Harmon enters the House Chamber for Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address in 2025. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
If Democrats around the country whiffed on the cost of living issues that rankled voters in 2024, it appears the many of the members of the party in power in Springfield are making cost of living and affordability the top issue at the statehouse in 2026.
Lawmakers return to the Capitol later this month for the spring legislative session that runs through the end of May.
Legislative leaders, like Senate President Don Harmon, say the first order of business is passing a balanced budget, which is projected to face a $2 billion deficit for the new fiscal year.
“For President Harmon it all starts with a responsible, balanced budget,” said Harmon spokesman John Patterson. “Once again, that’s his top priority, one made all the more challenging by the federal government’s irresponsible slashing of child care, health care, education and other vital programs for working families.”
Neither offices of House Speaker Chris Welch or Governor JB Pritzker responded to requests for comment.
While few Democrats are running around their districts talking about cuts necessary to balance the budget, many are jumping on board asking voters to change the constitution to implement a graduated income tax. A ballot question failed in 2020.
“I’m gonna focus on tax reform. It’s about time we made some progress on where the tax code hasn’t caused up,” said Sen. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Wealth and income has concentrated at the top of society. It is no longer tolerable to have a flat income tax. We have to have graduated tax.”
Walker says a graduated tax can be presented to voters with a tax cut for “95%” of taxpayers.
He says a referendum should tie additional income to schools in return for “restraint” in property tax rates.
Walker also wants to expand the state sales tax into services.
Numerous other Democrats say property taxes are top of mind.
“I think we need to prioritize property tax reform,” said Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), who is running for State Comptroller.
But, far and away, Democrats say cost of living issues are the major challenge for lawmakers.
“This year, and every wear, for that matter, the General Assembly should focus on the ever rising high cost of living. Laser focused,” said Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). “Admittedly, much of the costs we are experiencing are the ripple effect of what uncertainty causes in the market. We all know where those are coming from.”
“The main thing I hear daily from constituents are issues around affordability,” said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Working families and seniors are very concerned about costs associated with health care, housing, groceries, and every day necessities.”
Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), said there are specific issues to tackle.
“I think the legislature needs to focus on priorities of helping families who are struggling with paying for health care, prescription drugs, daycare, housing, and the needs of working families.”
“We have to make some real inroads on property taxes,” said Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “People have to see decreases on utilities, child care, insurance, fees. Relief has to show up weekly, not just on paper. People expect their state government to be a stabilizing force, and we have to take that responsibility seriously.”
Others, like progressive Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet), want to focus on AI regulation and “closing the wealth gap.”
Moderate Rep. Larry Walsh (D-Elwood), put energy prices at the top of his 2026 to-do list.
Few lawmakers are talking about a new Chicago Bears stadium unprompted, though.
Sen. Mark Walker, who represents the site of the proposed Arlington Heights stadium, says the state will need to make an offer to the Bears on infrastructure improvements this year.
“Clearly [the situation has] created leverage in Springfield for someone to make a proposal what we can do for infrastructure,” Walker said. “Will we help pay for infrastructure? We shouldn’t treat the Bears worse than everyone else just because they’re the Bears.”
Walker pointed out numerous infrastructure improvements the state has made for large companies over the years.
Most lawmakers we asked didn't want to talk about the Bears on the record, but a few said privately that threats to move to Indiana “aren't being taken seriously,” as one Democrat put it.
