LIZ BISHOP ON TAX DAY: “ILLINOIS TAXPAYERS SHOULDN’T BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED”
La Salle, IL — As Illinois families file their taxes this week and grapple with the state’s heavy tax burden, Republican State Representative candidate Liz Bishop is calling attention to policies she says are making life more expensive for residents in the 76th District.
“On Tax Day this year, Illinois families are reminded once again that Springfield ultra progressives like Amy ‘Murri’ Briel view taxpayers as an unlimited ATM,” said Bishop. “They raise taxes, create new fees on everyday life, and bail out Chicago institutions while our local roads crumble and families struggle to make ends meet. The voters of the 76th District deserve better,” said Bishop, the Republican nominee for the 76th District.
Bishop pointed to two recent examples involving incumbent Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel that she believes highlight misplaced priorities: First, Briel was the sole sponsor of HB 4459, known locally as the “Campfire Tax” bill. The legislation would allow local governments to require permits and charge fees for open burning, including backyard fire pits and family campfires. The original version included steep penalties for violations (up to $500,000), sparking widespread criticism from residents who enjoy simple outdoor traditions. Although the bill has faced delays and bipartisan pushback, concerns remain that similar measures could return.
Second, the recent CTA bailout. Bishop noted that Rep. Briel did not cast a vote either way against legislation that redirected hundreds of millions of dollars toward Chicago’s transit system. Critics argue the move pulled funding away from local road and infrastructure projects that directly affect the 76th District.
“Briel didn’t vote to stop it—she didn’t vote at all. As Chicago legislators pushed through a bailout redirecting hundreds of millions away from local infrastructure projects, Briel stood by without casting a vote, but then was quick to applaud its passage on the House floor. These decisions add to the cost of everyday life — from energy and groceries to transportation and even outdoor family time — while our local roads and communities struggle,” Bishop said. “Local families shouldn’t have to keep subsidizing Chicago priorities that don’t benefit our district.”
Bishop pledged to fight for lower taxes, protect local values, and ensure the 76th District has a strong voice in Springfield. “On this Tax Day, I pledge to be a voice for the taxpayers of the 76th District — not another rubber stamp for Springfield’s big-government agenda. It’s time to send a strong message in November: Illinois taxpayers will no longer be taken for granted,” Bishop stated.
Liz Bishop is a retired bank examiner and longtime community advocate from the area. She is the Republican nominee for Illinois State Representative in the 76th District.