As Illinois heads into a new year and a new legislative session, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie is calling for what she describes as a major change in direction for the state — one focused on affordability, public safety, and job growth.

McCombie says her message reflects what many Illinois families are already dealing with every day — rising costs, safety concerns, and uncertainty about the state’s future.

McCombie says affordability goes far beyond just balancing the state budget. She says it also includes improving education outcomes, addressing what she calls failures of the SAFE-T Act by putting victims first and cracking down on repeat offenders, and rethinking energy policies that she says are driving up utility bills and pushing families and businesses out of Illinois.

Infrastructure and job growth are also a major focus. McCombie notes that Illinois drivers already pay some of the highest gas taxes in the country, while recent policy changes have shifted road funding away from downstate projects.

She says when money is diverted from local roads and bridges to other areas, it slows job growth and hurts local economies.

Looking ahead to 2026, McCombie says the state needs to change course without raising taxes or expanding government. She says strong schools, safe communities, reliable energy, and smart infrastructure shouldn’t be partisan issues — but the foundation for a stronger future in Illinois.