15 New Gun Taxes Proposed In Illinois

In an effort to close Illinois' budget shortfall, the Illinois Senate is proposing an array of new taxes on legal gun owners.

In a last minute change, Democrat Sen Toi Hutchenson,  added in a last minute amendment to Illinois Senate Bill 09, that would add a new 5% tax to:

• membership fees and access fees for gun clubs
• shooting ranges fees
• hunt clubs
• training classes
• match fees

The measure would also require any of the above groups to register with the state and pay an annual fee of $75 to the state

Senate Ammendment 02, make these changes. The NRA argues that adding these new taxes would make it much more expensive for legal Illinois Gun owners to attend self defense classes.

The bill would also tax: any “repair, servicing, alteration, fitting, cleaning, painting, coating, towing, inspection, or maintenance of tangible personal property”

This bill will be considered at the same time the Illinois senate takes up the 33% income tax increase next week. I contacted our four area Stateline Senators to get a response. two Stateline Senators  have gone on record against the taxes, two have not. Here are the statements I received,

Senator Bivens (R) is AGAINST the Gun taxes: Sen Bivens said:

Opposed to gun tax and every other tax. The burning question almost every one has asked that has contacted my office is "where are the cuts?" We seem to always start with revenue first and talk about cuts last. “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” Ronald Reagan

 

It's another assault on guns. Every session there is a slew of anti gun legislation so I guess we shouldn't be surprised. Legislation has recently been introduced to place serial numbers on ammunition and I'm sure we will see even more anti gun legislation before this session ends.

Senator Syverson (R) is AGAINST the Gun taxes, Sen Syverson said:

This is a subtle or not so subtle way to go after gun owners. We actually should be giving a tax break to gun owners . Gun owners save tax dollars. This it's something that I'm sure is not part of the agreed process that has approval from Senate Republicans.

Senator Steve Stadelman (D) hasn't issued a position. Sen Stadelam's spokesman Mark Bonne issued the following statement:

The budget compromise continues to change because it includes many proposals lawmakers like or don't like. Senator Stadelman is waiting for the final bill to be crafted before making decisions on what to support or not support.

No response was received from Sen Altholf (R)

If you would like to contact your local Senators on this legislation here is how they can be reached.

Sen Syverson (R) (Rockford area) can be contacted HERE, and by phone at (815) 987-7555.

Sen Bivens (R) (represents Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson counties, and Dixon Area) and can be contacted HERE.

Sen Stademan (D)  (Rockford Area) can be contacted at: Stadelman@senatedem.ilga.gov, by phone (815) 987-7557 on FACEBOOK, click HERE

Sen. Altholf (R) (McHenry County Area) can be reached HERE