IL U.S. Senate candidates differ on Affordable Care Act tax credits

(The Center Square) – As Illinois Democrats call for an extension of federal tax credits to address higher Affordable Care Act premiums, an Illinois Republican says government subsidies have already led to higher prices.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, is one of 10 Democrats seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Springfield.

Krishnamoorthi said Congress may vote this week on a petition from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to extend the tax credits for three more years.

“And it’s likely to pass, because I think at least four Republicans signed that discharge petition, and joining with all Democrats, there will be enough votes to take it through the House,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Then it will be up to the Senate. At that point, I think the pressure will be on them to do something.”

The fifth-term congressman said the legislation could act retroactively to Jan. 1, but some people might let their ...