Illinois House Democrats have filed a bill to bring back the proposed bag tax, just another example of their radical agenda to raise the cost of living on Illinois families.
As more legislation is introduced, it’s becoming clear that the Democrats’ agenda for 2026 is to make everyday life even more expensive. Under Democratic Rep. Laura Faver Dias’ proposal, a new carryout bag tax would be imposed and then increased by five cents each year through 2030. The tax would apply to paper, plastic, and even reusable bags.
Bag fee schedule:
- 10 cents per bag starting January 1, 2027
- 15 cents in 2028
- 20 cents in 2029
- 25 cents in 2030
State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) opposes the Democrats’ bag tax and campfire tax.
“Working families and seniors on fixed incomes cannot afford the endless tax hikes being pushed by Illinois Democrats,” Rep. Hammond said. “The bag tax is just the latest example of policies that drive up the cost-of-living. And it comes on the heels of another Democrat proposal that would charge families a fee just to light a campfire. Enough is enough! I urge my colleagues in the Illinois House to reject these ridiculous taxes and put Illinois families first.”
Illinois Democrats’ terrible record on affordability speaks for itself:
- Passed an $8 billion energy rate hike to subsidize unreliable green energy projects.
- Approved a mass transit bailout for Chicago that swept nearly $500 million from Downstate road funds and allowed for toll hikes and higher RTA sales taxes, at a cost of $2.5 billion.
- Enacted the largest budget in state history, relying on $700 million in new taxes.
“I will continue to advocate for real solutions that address affordability by reining in out-of-control government spending, cutting taxes for working families and seniors, and opposing ridiculous taxes and fees like the bag tax. Illinois families deserve real relief, not another bill to pay,” said Rep. Hammond.