Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The bill to lift the state’s sales tax on groceries was not popular with everyone.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a suspension of the tax during the pandemic, and he pushed for a permanent repeal.

“I was inundated with text messages from local (governments) telling me they need this,” said State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield). “On the one hand, you’ve got this vote to eliminate it. On the other hand, you have the power from these very same locals who have contacted me to immediately push it back into effect. On top of that, expansion of taxing powers for an immediate sales tax increase.”

State Rep Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) has a more colorful way of describing the bill.

“This bill needs to go where the sun don’t shine and the wind don’t blow,” said the chairman of the Illinois Freedom Caucus. “The Illinois taxpayers need to be protected. Vote no!”

While local governments like the money from the sales tax on groceries, Republicans in the legislature don’t like the additional power the new law gives the locals to levy taxes without referendum.

HB 3144 has passed the Senate, 48-11, and has passed the House, 80-20.