McLean County Times

State Senator Chris Balkema has expressed strong opposition to a newly approved bill that introduces a $1.50 delivery tax on nearly all online orders. The measure, part of House Bill 3438, aims to provide financial support for the Chicago transit system.

In his statement, Senator Balkema criticized the move by Illinois Democrats, stating, “Once again, Illinois Democrats are hitting hardworking families with new taxes to cover up their own failures.” He highlighted the impact on residents who rely on deliveries for essentials such as medicine and groceries due to busy schedules.

Balkema argued that the tax is unfairly imposed on nearly every household in Illinois. He stated, “This is the reality for Illinois families under the new $1.50 delivery tax — a tax that hits nearly every household, just to bail out a broken transit system in Chicago.”

The senator contended that the bill does not address infrastructure improvements across the state but rather burdens communities with costs for a transit system they seldom use. “While political leaders reward mismanagement in Chicago, hardworking families across the state are left paying the bill. It’s unfair and it has to stop,” he said.

House Bill 3438 has been passed by the Senate and will affect various aspects of online shopping for residents throughout Illinois.