Vella Calls for Affordability, Denounces Tariffs Driving Up Cost of Living for Illinoisans

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ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is standing up to the affordability crisis by voting to formally condemn tariffs that have raised the price of everything from groceries to winter clothing, and rejecting unconstitutional efforts to freeze funding for affordable childcare.

“The tariffs imposed in the last twelve months have driven costs through the roof. That’s why my focus remains on cutting down these costs, and ensuring that hardworking families here in Rockford and across the state can keep their hard-earned savings in their pockets,” said Vella.

Illinoisans are facing skyrocketing expenses, including tariff-motivated price increases on a broad swath of consumer goods—from groceries to warm winter clothing. Additionally, the current administration in Washington recently froze $10 billion in funding for affordable childcare, making one of the greatest expenses facing working families even more daunting and jeopardizing care for 100,000 Illinois children.

Vella is fighting back by advancing House resolutions formally addressing the causes of the affordability crisis, and demanding solutions:

– House Resolution 620 calls on Congress and the current administration to immediately reinstate the 2022 healthcare subsidies. Because these subsidies were allowed to lapse in January, families are now facing nearly $1,000 in annual premium increases–with rural and downstate communities facing average increases as high as $2,000.

– House Resolution 621 condemns efforts to freeze funds for affordable child care and calls for the immediate release of all congressionally approved child care funds.

– House Resolution 623 calls on Washington to stop their unconstitutional tariff scheme that costs families upwards of $1,200, and robs people of opportunities to save for the future. The resolution demands the United States Treasury issue $2,000 payments to every middle-class and modest-income household as a way of refunding families’ lost wages and savings, apologizing for illegal tax increases.

“Affordability is my priority. When Washington policies drive up everyday costs and threaten child care for 100,000 Illinois children, it’s our responsibility to speak out and demand better,” said Vella. “I’m fighting to lower costs, protect child care, and ensure working families aren’t paying the price for reckless decisions they cannot control. Illinois families deserve relief, and they deserve it now.”