Illinois House Republicans have raised concerns over potential tax increases that might be included in a forthcoming budget proposal by Democratic lawmakers. The discussions come amid ongoing budget negotiations with Governor JB Pritzker’s Office of Management and Budget. While House Republican budgeteers have been actively engaging with the governor’s office, their participation in meetings with House Democrats has been limited.

Recent developments include calls from progressive Democrats for a graduated income tax hike—even as Illinois voters narrowly rejected a proposal for such a tax in a 2020 constitutional amendment. Additionally, the Illinois Revenue Alliance has outlined a series of tax proposals that, collectively, could generate an estimated $6 billion in new revenue.

Republicans have highlighted one proposal in particular: reducing the estate tax exemption from $4 million to $2 million, a change they argue could disproportionately affect family farmers. State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), who is also a farmer, says Farmers shouldn’t have to sell the family farm to pay the tax.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continue to work through various proposals as the state budget process moves forward, with further discussions expected in the coming weeks.