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Archive for the ‘Springfield’ Category

Who really funds Nabeela Syed?

Posted in BACOG, Breakthrough Ideas, Cost of Living, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Fools and their money, Guest Essay, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency on October 31, 2026| 1 Comment »

This week’s Reveille: The race between Nabeela Syed and Darby Hills for Illinois Senate District 26. Jeanne breaks down nearly $1.7 million in reported contributions from unions and Democratic leaders to Syed, and Syed’s campaign promises vs. her legislative voting record in the IL State House.

By Jeanne Ives | Breakthrough Ideas

“Nabeela Syed was only 23 when she was elected as a state rep. She went from college at the University of California, Berkeley, to running for office with a short stint as a digital strategist for an activist NGO.

She’s been celebrated by the press mostly for her identity. The Indian Express in 2022 said her victory was noteworthy in part because she is young, a first-generation Asian American, and a hijab-wearing Muslim woman.

Syed is a political climber, though. After 4 years in the House, she’s now running for State Senate. She says property taxes are too high, that she’ll fight for small business, and supports efforts to eliminate wasteful spending.

Her votes, though, show the opposite is true. There’s been no property tax relief, and she’s voted for millions in tax increases and the highest budgets in state history. She’s just another progressive Democrat bought and paid for by the unions and the Democrat Party in Illinois.

Over just the last 10 days, Senate Democrats have pushed over $1 million into Syed’s campaign.

Pritzker gave her another $10,000 and a teachers union PAC $40,000. Last quarter, her campaign took in nearly $1.7 million in donations from unions and Democrat leaders. They want this seat.

Also backing Syed is the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium. Their goal is building Asian American and immigrant power. And they want to fight for the civil, immigrant, and human rights for low-income, undocumented, queer, young people, seniors, and women.

Well, where does that leave the average Jane and Joe in Palatine and Barrington, Illinois? If you really want to know who your state rep or senator will represent when elected to office, just find out who’s funding their campaign.

Fortunately, the Chicago Tribune had the common sense to endorse Darby Hills for Senate District 26. She’ll represent Americans and taxpayers.

I’m Jeanne Ives.”
breakthrough-ideas.com

The Facebook reel of this post can be found here. Please share it!

Related: “Editorial: Darby Hills for Illinois 26th Senate District,” “A sound reason for Barrington Hills residents to vote for McLaughlin and Hills”

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Pritzker’s record: partisan maps, doubled gas tax, record spending

Posted in Cost of Living, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes on October 29, 2026| Leave a Comment »

With the governor running for a third term and eyeing the White House, Illinoisans should remember his policy decisions.

By Lilly Rossi | Illinois Policy Institute

Many of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decisions have not helped families and businesses thrive in Illinois.

During his two terms, Pritzker has:

  • Signed partisan legislative and congressional maps into law after promising to veto them.
  • Doubled the state gas tax.
  • Set record-high state budgets.
  • Approved at least 63 tax and fee increases.

Here is a closer look at a record that speaks for itself:

Broke his promise to veto partisan legislative maps

As a candidate, Pritzker pledged to veto legislative maps drawn for partisan advantage. He broke that promise.

Instead, he signed new legislative and congressional district maps widely criticized for protecting Democratic majorities and incumbent politicians. Analysts at the Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave the new maps an overall F for partisan fairness, competitiveness and compactness.

In the 2024 presidential election, about 55% of the Illinois vote went to Democrat Kamala Harris, yet the party holds 66% of the seats in the General Assembly.

The partisan politics of the maps Pritzker OK’d are reflected in the statehouse: Over 90% of the bills that passed both chambers in the second regular session of the 104th Illinois General Assembly were sponsored by Democrats.

Doubled Illinois’ gas tax

One of Pritzker’s first major acts was signing the 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital plan. In doing so he doubled the tax to 38 cents a gallon.

The state had gone almost 30 years without raising the gas tax, which was 19 cents a gallon from 1990 to 2019.

More consequentially, the law created automatic yearly increases linked to inflation. Because of that, Illinois drivers will likely pay more in state gas taxes each year for the foreseeable future unless lawmakers take action, as there’s no expiration date on the annual adjustments.

Illinois lawmakers this year gave drivers a six-month break from a gas tax increase.

Report continues here.

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Illinois Senate 26th candidates divided on immigration enforcement, data centers

Posted in AI, Daily Herald, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Village Government on October 28, 2026| 3 Comments »

Republican Senator Darby Hills and Democrat Rep. Nabeela | Photos by Jerry Nowicki

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The race for the Illinois Senate’s 26th District seat matches incumbent Republican Sen. Darby Hills against Democratic challenger Nabeela Syed, the representative for the state House’s 51st District.

The candidates have different approaches on two hot-button issues: immigration enforcement and data centers.

Immigration enforcement

Hills, a former Barrington Hills village trustee who was appointed to the state Senate in February 2025, says local police should not be turned into immigration agents.

But she said she also believes Illinois’ TRUST Act goes too far in preventing local authorities from honoring federal immigration detainers, even for someone charged with or convicted of a violent felony.

Under the TRUST Act, local police can only hold someone on an immigration detainer if there is a federal criminal warrant signed by a judge.

Data centers

In June, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a pause on processing new data center tax incentives and proposed a seven-point framework that included a call for centers to pay their fair share of electrical grid and water costs.

Hills called the governor’s pause a reasonable timeout but said it is not a policy.

“The state handed out hundreds of millions in tax breaks without asking what data centers would cost ratepayers,” she wrote in her response to a Daily Herald questionnaire.

Hills has called for a moratorium of at least one year on new data centers and supports legislation that would put limitations on such projects. She has sponsored or co-sponsored a number of related bills, including Senate Bill 1050.

Full article appears here.

 

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A sound reason for Barrington Hills residents to vote for McLaughlin and Hills

Posted in BACOG, Capitol News Illinois, Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Plan Commission, Politics, Press Release, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, Village Code, Village of Barrington, Zoning Board on October 23, 2026| 1 Comment »

Rep. McLaughlin Hosts Press Conference with Northwest Suburban Mayors – February 26, 2026 | Screenshot via Facebook

On February 18th of this year, one headline read, “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control.” The report stated his BUILD Act would (and still does):

“…drastically limit local governments’ authority to restrict the types of structures that can be built on property zoned residential.”

“Accessory dwelling units — attached or detached secondary residences such as granny flats, backyard cottages and above-garage apartments — would be legalized on all properties zoned for residential use.”

“…would establish statewide timelines for inspections and reviews and allow third-party inspectors ($$$) if municipalities miss deadlines.”

Objections to Pritzker’s plan was very quickly spearheaded by Rep. Marty McLaughlin who gathered many community leaders in a room for a press conference February 26th. The headline following that press conference read:

“‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning.”

In recent months, Pritzker rarely speaks of the BUILD Act since he doesn’t want it to be a fatal plank in local campaigns, but it by no means has gone away! It’s just been muted until after the November 3rd elections…

Last Friday, The Center Square reported:

“Leaders in Illinois are suggesting a package of legislation aimed at increasing housing affordability and supply in the state may be kicked further down the road, after proposals stalled in May after disagreements between stakeholders.

The Building Up Illinois Developments housing plan, or BUILD, was recommended to the legislature by Gov. J.B. Pritzker early this year, but largely sat on the back burner during the last session of the assembly.

The plan is an extensive proposal that would make sweeping changes to zoning and regulations statewide, aimed at increasing supply, reducing overhead costs, and speeding up development timelines.

At an unrelated news conference Thursday, Pritzker said he thinks the housing legislation may be put aside again during the six-day fall veto session in November and December, in favor of waiting until the 105th General Assembly begins to reintroduce the initiative.

‘It’s a short session, as you know, the veto session. So, I do believe that you’re going to see that in the coming full session starting in January,’ Pritzker said.”

The same article continues:

“Multiple bills in the BUILD proposal would have to be re-introduced and go through the legislative process again in January if not passed sooner.

Pritzker said he remains committed to his end goal with the legislation.”

Pritzker views McLaughlin as a vocal stumbling block. The same is true of Hills, so the Democrats are spending literally millions in the current campaign to silence them.

If you value your property rights as a homeowner in Barrington Hills as we do, then we urge you to vote for Martin McLaughlin and Darby Hills.

For information on where, when and how to vote, click here.

Related: “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers”

 

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52nd Illinois House candidates differ on cash bail, school choice and Bears

Posted in BACOG, Daily Herald, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Village President on October 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The race for the 52nd District Illinois House seat is a rematch between incumbent Republican state Rep. Marty McLaughlin and Democratic challenger Maria Peterson.

McLaughlin, of Barrington Hills, beat Peterson, of North Barrington, by less than 50 votes in 2024 to hold onto his seat in the General Assembly.

The two differ on a number of issues, including school choice, the elimination of cash bail and Chicago Bears stadium proposals.

At a recent League of Women Voters forum, the candidates were asked about a new federal tax credit program for donations to organizations that award private school scholarships, created by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in 2025. Illinois has to decide whether to participate.

McLaughlin, a former village president of Barrington Hills, said “choice in all things is good, particularly education.”

He said proficiency in math and reading has dropped, while education costs have escalated and criticized state Democrats for not renewing the Invest in Kids program, which awarded tax credits for donations that funded private school scholarships.

The two also disagree over the state’s elimination of cash bail.

McLaughlin said it has created significant problems with repeat offending and public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“In the 52nd District, we have experienced concerns involving robberies, residential and commercial burglaries, vehicle thefts, car break-ins and smash-and-grab incidents,” he wrote in reply to a Daily Herald questionnaire.

The full report can be found here.

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General Election early voting expands today, October 19

Posted in BACOG, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Tribune, Cook, County, Daily Caller, Elections, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Politics, Springfield on October 19, 2026| 1 Comment »

State Rep. Martin “Marty” McLaughlin and State Sen. Darby Hills are endorsed by the Chicago Tribune and a very large number of Mayors in their respective Districts. The Barrington Hills Observer is honored to add our endorsement to that list.

Early voting begins today for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Polling locations by county are:

For general voting information, visit the Cook, Kane, Lake or McHenry County Clerk’s website(s).

Related: “Editorial: Martin McLaughlin for Illinois 52nd House District,” “Editorial: Darby Hills for Illinois 26th Senate District”

 

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How Americans Feel About Socialism

Posted in Democratic Socialists of America, Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, The New York Times on October 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Christine Zhang, Caroline Soler and Ruth Igielnik  | The New York Times

Progressive and socialist candidates have seemingly made inroads into mainstream politics, with self-identified socialists winning several Democratic primaries this year and a popular democratic socialist leading New York City. And polls show that the concept of socialism, once deeply unpopular in the United States, has gained some momentum.

But those polls also show that support is still limited. Understanding the shifting support of socialism is complicated by disagreement about what the term even means.

Most Americans dislike socialism, but it is becoming more popular.

Americans are becoming more open to socialism, but they have not broadly embraced it. In August, positive impressions of socialism topped 40 percent for the first time since Gallup began tracking that figure in 2010. In contrast, negative views of capitalism have sharply increased.

Americans’ views of socialism and capitalism

Views of socialism remain deeply divided along party lines. A New York Times/Siena poll in September found that a majority of Democrats viewed the concept favorably. Overall, just under 30 percent of registered voters had a favorable view of socialism.

Article continues here.

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Handful of competitive suburban races rev up November General Assembly elections

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Democratic Socialists of America, Economy, Education, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes on October 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Republican State Sen. Darby Hills is being challenged by State Rep. Nabeela Syed, a Democrat, for the 26th Senate District seat representing northwest suburbs in the Nov. 3 general election.

By Brett Chase | Chicago Sun*Times

A pair of suburban races for Springfield lawmakers are competitive fights heading into the Nov. 3 election, even as many incumbent politicians across the state are running unopposed.

Among the races to watch, Rep. Nabeela Syed, a Democrat from Inverness, is challenging incumbent Republican Darby Hills of Barrington Hills, who was appointed to the 26th District state Senate seat in early 2025. The northwest suburban district includes parts of Cook, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties.

The Illinois Democratic Party is spending heavily to help Syed with her campaign. In September alone, the party and a committee led by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon — with the aim of bolstering Democrats’ majority — contributed almost $1 million to Syed, records show.

Hills, a former prosecutor and 2021 Mrs. Illinois America, was a Barrington Hills trustee before being appointed to McConchie’s seat. She has campaigned for public safety, especially related to children, lower taxes and controls on spending.

“Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem,” Hills says, “it has a spending problem.”

Republican Party-political committees contributed more than $80,000 to Hills in September after giving her more than $300,000 in August, according to state campaign disclosure reports.

Report continues here.

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‘Not the time to approve a sales tax,’ say opponents of Lake County school facilities referendum question

Posted in BACOG, County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Organizations, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald

Another unified voice has surfaced in opposition to a question on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters whether Lake County should be allowed to impose up to a 1% sales tax for school facilities.

Last week, the Barrington Area Council of Governments announced its eight-member entities, comprising seven villages and Barrington Township, unanimously opposed the proposal due to widespread rising costs already faced by residents.

“This one caught the attention of our mayors because they were hearing from their constituents,” said Kimberly Saunders, executive director of the organization focused in southwestern Lake County.

“Everything is more expensive and it’s a difficult time for folks,” she added.

About two weeks ago, the Lake County Republican Central Committee launched a campaign against the measure citing similar concerns. Volunteers have been knocking on doors and distributing information in all 18 townships and will be receiving yard signs soon.

At issue is the County School Facilities Sales Tax created by state law in 2007 as an alternative revenue source to local property taxes. If approved by voters, the county can impose a sales tax of up to 1% to be used exclusively for specific school-related uses.

Those include facilities and site work, such as additions or renovations; infrastructure or safety/security upgrades; school resource officers or mental health professionals; and, managing debt by paying off existing bonds or abating property taxes.

Article continues here.

Related: “BACOG issues position statement on the November Lake County School Facilities Tax referendum”

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Cook County to vote on non-binding ‘millionaires tax’ question

Posted in Cook, County, Democratic Socialists of America, Elections, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Bryce Hill | Illinois Policy Institute

An advisory referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot will gauge Cook County voters’ support for a statewide income tax increase on millionaires.

The results are non-binding, so the vote will not trigger any policy change.

Cook County voters will be asked:

“Shall Illinois adopt the Millionaire Amendment for Property Tax Relief and Education, which would enact a 3% income tax surcharge only on millionaires and use 50% of this new revenue to provide property tax relief for residential and commercial taxpayers and 50% to improve state funding for public education?”

The ballot language is similar to a constitutional amendment that failed in the Illinois House earlier this year and a previous statewide ballot question from 2024. However, notably absent from the Cook County ballot question is language that specifies the additional 3% income tax would be only on income above $1 million rather than on all income for a taxpayer whose income tops $1 million. A 2019 proposal from Gov. J.B. Pritzker was widely criticized because it would have raised the state income tax to 7.95% from 4.95% on all income of a taxpayer whose income topped $1 million.

Proponents of the push to scrap Illinois’ constitutionally protected flat income tax say the increased revenue would provide property tax relief. However, previous analysis of the proposal and Illinois’ state finances shows the massive tax hike would come up more than $2 billion short of being able to provide Illinoisans with any such relief.

That’s because the state projects future budget shortfalls in excess of $3.8 billion, and the current pension funding plan shorts contributions by more than $5 billion, according to the plan’s own actuaries.

Report continues here.

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