SE Illinois News

Illinois lawmakers are facing criticism over the lack of progress on estate tax reform for farmers. Despite bipartisan support and calls from agricultural groups, proposals to raise the estate tax exemption for farms were not advanced during the recent legislative session.

Currently, Illinois is one of 16 states that impose an estate tax. The exemption threshold stands at $4 million and has not been adjusted for inflation since 2013. Many farmers find it easy to exceed this limit due to land and equipment values, which can force families to sell assets in order to pay taxes when passing down their farms.

Earlier this year, House Bill 2677 was introduced as a bipartisan effort to increase the exemption from $4 million to $6 million and tie future increases to inflation. The bill had backing from both parties, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and many farmers statewide but did not receive a hearing. It was instead sent to a subcommittee within the House Rules Committee without further action.

Democratic legislators also considered lowering the exemption threshold to $2 million, which would have placed additional financial pressure on farm families. Governor JB Pritzker previously called estate tax reform a “shared priority,” but has not made public statements on recent proposals. While some Democratic lawmakers co-sponsored reform bills such as the Family Farms Preservation Act (SB 2921 / HB 4600), these measures were not prioritized in budget talks.

According to data cited by supporters of reform, family-owned operations make up 96% of Illinois farms, with nearly 70,000 families depending on agriculture for their livelihood.

In other state news, Illinois continues to struggle with its public pension system. A national analysis by the Equable Institute shows that Illinois has one of the most underfunded pension systems in the country. Unfunded obligations now equal more than 19% of state gross domestic product (GDP), an increase from last year’s figure. This means about one-fifth of all goods and services produced in Illinois would be needed just to cover pension shortfalls.

Taxpayer contributions toward state pensions have grown significantly—from $614 million in fiscal year 1996 to $11.2 billion in fiscal year 2025—contributing to high property taxes across Illinois. The state's funded ratio stands at just over 50%, ranking second lowest nationally behind New Jersey this year.

The annual report suggests that unless reforms are enacted—including preserving cost savings measures like Tier 2 benefits or offering retirement choice—budget pressures will persist and could threaten future pension payments.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming Illinois State Fair set for August 7 in Springfield. The event will highlight local agriculture along with rides, concerts, food vendors and other attractions starting with its traditional Twilight Parade through Springfield into fairgrounds.

On another note, Ryne Sandberg—a Hall-of-Fame second baseman who spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs—passed away at age 65 after battling cancer. Sandberg was remembered by Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts: “Ryne Sandberg was a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise,” said Ricketts on behalf of his family and organization. “His dedication to and respect for the game, along with his unrelenting integrity, grit, hustle, and competitive fire were hallmarks of his career."

“He was immensely proud of his teammates and his role as a global ambassador of the game of baseball, but most of all he was proud of Margaret, his children and his role as husband, father and grandfather.”

Sandberg retired holding Major League Baseball’s record for home runs by a second baseman (277 out of his total 282). He earned ten All-Star selections during his career along with nine Gold Glove Awards.

Windhorst is a Republican who began representing Illinois' 117th House District after being elected in 2023; he succeeded Natalie Phelps Finnie.