Everyday Illinoisans Are Paying the Price—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 108

Don’t get too excited: it’s not Friday morning, you still have a long way to go. But to help get you through the week, we are coming to you this morning with an additional, brand new Smoke-Filled Room!

Collin Corbett and Chris Jackowiak joined Cook County GOP Chairman Aaron Del Mar and IL House GOP Communications Analysis and North Cook Young Republicans Vice-Chairman Gabriella Hoxie at Palatine Township Republican Organization’s monthly meeting for a special in-person recording. 

Even after last week’s episode, there was plenty more to talk about with the budget, transit deal, and what’s next for working families in Illinois. Since Chris wasn’t on last week, he had a lot to get off his chest. Aaron went on the attack explaining how much these bills and decisions hurt Illinoisans across the state. And Gabriella shared her perspective both as a young professional in Illinois and someone who was in the capitol.

Later, we step away from the policy talk and get into politics. It’s clear if you’re a business owner and aren’t pals with JB, you’re going to get shafted, while Illinoisans are paying the price for his political ambition. Plus, we discuss how this session should be a wake up call for Republicans across the state because we have elections to win in 2026 and the works starts now.  

00:00: Introductions
02:14: Springfield Democrats Hike Taxes $1 Billion to Fund Record Spending
15:09: Still to Come: Transit Reform that Bails Out Brandon Johnson's CTA While Screwing Suburbs
30:21: Democrats Continue Increasing the Cost-of-Living for Working Families
35:30: Unless You're Pals with Pritzker, Illinois Doesn't Care About Your Business
38:43: Democrats Somehow Move Even Further Left in Illinois
47:04: Illinoisans Paying the Price for Pritzker's Political Ambition
54:56: We Can't Change Bad Policy in Illinois If We Don't Win Elections
01:03:38: Answering Audience Questions
01:15:40: Closing Thoughts