Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods

(The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans are calling on Democrats to oppose new tax proposals.

State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, said House Bill 4459 would impose fees on backyard campfires, and House Bill 5112 would impose taxes on retail carryout bags.

“By the way Mr. Severin, those s’mores items you just bought at the grocery store, we’ve gotta charge you a bag tax for that. No matter if it’s a paper bag, plastic bag, reusable bag, they’re going to get me for it,” Severin said.

Severin spoke during a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

State Rep. Kyle Moore, R-Quincy, said the new tax proposals are an insult to working families.

“We have seen the state of Illinois, the sanctuary state of Illinois, that is, prioritize tax dollars to pay for health care, lodging, food, day care for people that are in this country illegally,” Moore said.

Moore said the prioritization of noncitizen expenditures cost Illinois taxpayers nearly $3 billion in...