CHICAGO — Major affordability measures cracking down on hidden junk fees and price gouging schemes are now law, thanks to the work of state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

“Right now, no one can afford to pay more than is absolutely necessary, which is why price transparency and retailer accountability is so important. These unjust practices meant to drive up prices must be put to a stop before they escalate any further. With these three new laws, the price you see will be the price you pay, and families will be able to more easily and accurately budget around their expenses,” said Buckner.

Often disguised as “convenience” or “processing” fees, hidden junk fees cost families over $3,000 every year, according to consumer reports, driving the affordability crisis and making everyday purchases more expensive.

Buckner worked to crack down on these hidden fees by supporting House Bill 228, which is now law. The measure requires businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price and gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees.

Buckner also worked to expand protections for people buying tickets to concerts, shows, and sporting events. House Bill 4984 prohibits resellers from offering the sale of tickets they do not actually possess. This law is a response to high-profile reports of abusive practices perpetrated by ticket resellers and AI-powered “bot farms” purchasing mass amounts of event tickets to be resold at two or three times the face value. Additionally, Senate Bill 318 bans the use of bots to buy tickets in excess of posted limits of online ticket sales or to circumvent electronic queues and other waiting periods.

These measures are now law.

CHICAGO — A state budget focused on affordability is now law thanks to state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, who helped pass a balanced budget prioritizing direct relief for Illinoisans and investing in the resources Washington is trying to slash.

“As a budgeteer, it’s my responsibility to make sure we are establishing a state budget that actually benefits the people of Illinois. Nationwide, working families are struggling to make ends meet, and while we can’t control what happens on the federal level, we worked hard to secure protections and provide relief wherever possible,” said Buckner. “This budget does just that. We’re prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities, and defending essential programs and services from Washington’s cuts. And I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these assets in our community, and communities across the state.”

Buckner’s work this legislative session concluded in passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget that relieves the cost-of-living crisis while making key investments in food security and other state services at risk of federal funding losses or total elimination.

The budget takes a number of smart steps to help families make ends meet, including:

• Nearly $100 million to help families afford groceries and put food on the table.
  • • As Washington slashes nutrition assistance for more than over 100,000 Illinoisans, Buckner’s budget includes a new FRESH Program, which provides a one-time credit of up to $400, giving families a lifeline while they work with providers to reactivate benefits. Additionally, the Buckner-backed budget expands free and reduced-cost school lunches ensuring children affected by SNAP cuts have a sustainable meal, and funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand access to fresh food in food deserts.
• Making back-to-school shopping more affordable by cutting the state sales tax on clothes, supplies, and other essentials for students, families, and teachers beginning in August.
• Freezing the gas tax to give families a break at the pump.
• Restoring property tax relief grants for schools so communities statewide can get relief.
• $500 million focused on affordable homes for working families, including investment in new home construction to meet the needs of working families who do not qualify for traditional assistance, but still face a significant lack of quality homes in their price range—a growing population known as the “missing middle.”

This budget keeps families safe and strengthens communities. As families face healthcare access threats like Medicaid cuts, the new state budget delivers full funding to maintain and operate critical safety-net hospitals, with an additional $10 million dedicated to support Federally Qualified Health Centers for the most vulnerable families. Public safety initiatives including homelessness prevention and community-based violence prevention will also receive full funding.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Illinois State Budget was signed into law Tuesday morning.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Following the General Assembly’s adjournment, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, comes away having successfully advanced an agenda focused on boosting affordability  for residents across Illinois. 

“Affordability affects the price of groceries, whether you can afford to stay in your neighborhood, and if you can get healthcare when you need it. These are things that everyone deserves,” said Buckner. “Every bill I passed this session was aimed at breaking down barriers on housing and healthcare to build a Chicago where everyone can afford to live and succeed.”

This session, Buckner focused on making housing and healthcare more accessible and affordable. He sponsored the Affordable Communities Act and several additional bills to increase housing supply through accessory dwelling units while also co-sponsoring legislation for broader housing access. In healthcare, he worked to strengthen Medicaid reimbursements, improve hospital safety and staffing, and increase access to affordable prescriptions.

“The spring session is over, but my work for our community is never done,” said Buckner. I’ll keep showing up – in Springfield, in our neighborhoods, and wherever Chicago families need me.”

To learn more about the legislation Buckner passed or introduced this session, visit his official webpage.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Representative Kam Buckner has filed House Joint Resolution 68 to convene a Joint Session of the Illinois General Assembly honoring retiring United States Senator Richard J. Durbin for his extraordinary career in public service and lasting impact on Illinois and the nation.

The Joint Session will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Illinois House Chamber at the State Capitol. Senator Durbin is expected to address members of both chambers following adoption of the resolution.

“Dick Durbin’s story is inseparable from the story of modern Illinois,” Buckner said. “From interning for Senator Paul Douglas in 1966, to working for Sen. Paul Simon, to mentoring future leaders like Barack Obama, Senator Durbin has spent sixty years at the center of public life in this state and this country. This Joint Session is about honoring not just his service, but his stewardship.”

Buckner noted that Durbin’s roots in Illinois public life run deep.

“He grew up in East St. Louis, but Springfield became home,” Buckner said. “Before Washington, before Senate leadership, he built his career here as a lawyer, educator, and counsel to the Illinois Senate. So when the General Assembly welcomes Senator Durbin on May 27, we are not simply welcoming him — we are welcoming him back.”

Durbin has served nearly three decades in the United States Senate after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure, he became one of the most influential members of the Senate, serving as Democratic Whip and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee while playing leading roles on immigration reform, criminal justice reform, infrastructure, healthcare, and federal judicial appointments.

WHO:
Illinois General Assembly
United States Senator Richard J. Durbin

WHAT:
Joint Session honoring Senator Richard J. Durbin pursuant to House Joint Resolution 68

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
12:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Illinois House Chamber
Illinois State Capitol
Springfield, Illinois

Media interested in attending should contact the Doorkeeper for credentialing and access information.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is cracking down on junk fees that cost consumers an estimated $3,000 every year, with a new measure that holds businesses accountable for charges added on top of advertised purchase prices.

“Illinois families are tired of seeing one price online and paying another at checkout. This legislation is about honesty and making sure people know exactly what they’re paying upfront,” said Buckner. “Businesses shouldn’t be able to hide extra charges in the fine print. If there’s a fee, it should be clear from the start, no surprises.”

Buckner-backed House Bill 228 would require businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price. The bill also gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees — cracking down on these “convenience” or “processing” fees that many businesses use to charge more for everyday retail purchases and services including hotels and rental cars.

The bill was passed out of the House Consumer Protection Committee and now moves to consideration on the House floor.

CHICAGO—State Rep. Kam Buckner has introduced legislation to designate a portion of the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago as the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway,
honoring the late civil rights icon.

“Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Chicago and our nation,” Buckner said. “Dedicating part of the Dan Ryan Expressway as his memorial ensures that the courage and leadership he brought to the fight for civil rights will be remembered and his impact will remain felt for generations to come.”

“Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to expanding opportunity and giving voice to communities that were often unheard. This recognition reflects the impact he has had on our state, our
city, and the movement for justice.”

The legislation creates the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway Act, designating the portion of the Dan Ryan Expressway beginning at 47th Street and extending south to 95th Street in Chicago as the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway. “From organizing for civil rights to building national coalitions for justice, Rev. Jackson has helped shape the course of American history,” Buckner said. “It is fitting that one of Chicago’s most traveled corridors reflects the name of a leader who helped move our country forward.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, introduced legislation that would provide $5 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for a grant to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to continue youth sports and mentorship programs across Illinois.

“This funding is about giving kids positive outlets and strong role models. For many young people, sports aren’t just about the competition, they’re about belonging, structure, and having someone in your corner,” said Buckner. “These programs reach kids who might not always feel connected at school or elsewhere, providing safe spaces, trusted adults, and opportunities to grow.”

The funding would help support community organizations that use sports as a way to prevent violence, build confidence, and teach life skills. Priority would be given to programs in communities that face higher levels of violence and economic hardship. All supported programs would be free, ensuring families wouldn’t have to worry about registration fees or equipment costs.

Laureus says past funding has helped 51 organizations across 77 zip codes, supporting 29 different sports. More than 30,000 young people have participated, and over 2,500 coaches have been trained to support youth development. Most of the young people served are from communities of color, and many of the coaches live in the same neighborhoods as the kids they mentor.

The funding would continue support provided in recent years. Laureus has said that without continued funding, some organizations would need to reduce staff and scale back programming.

“This is a practical investment in safer communities. When kids have access to sports, mentorship, and structure, it makes a real difference, not just for them, but for their families and neighborhoods,” said Buckner. “This bill aims to make sure that where you grow up doesn’t determine the opportunities you have to succeed.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, joined Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch on Wednesday for a series of community visits across Chicago’s South Side, engaging directly with students, small business owners, and seniors to highlight Black history, local entrepreneurship, and the growing affordability challenges facing Illinois families.

The visit marked the start of Black History Month and began at the Chicago Prairie Tennis Club, the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country. From there, Buckner and Welch met with constituents at a neighborhood barbershop, participated in a roundtable discussion with local business owners, and concluded the morning with a town hall focused on cost-of-living concerns with local seniors.

“Black history isn’t just something we reflect on once a year, it’s alive in our neighborhoods, our small businesses, and the people who have built community institutions that still serve us today,” Buckner said. “Kicking this community visit off at Chicago Prairie Tennis Club was a reminder of the resilience, excellence, and leadership that exists right here on the South Side.”

“These conversations help ground our work in Springfield,” Buckner said. “From housing and healthcare to everyday expenses, it’s critical that we listen and respond with policies that make life more affordable and spending time in the community helps ensure our priorities reflect the real needs of the people we serve.”

CHICAGO – Completing years of work from reformers, law enforcement and business leaders, the transformational “clean slate” criminal justice reforms that state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, helped pass last fall were signed into law today.

“The reality of our criminal justice system is that an offender’s punishment doesn’t end with release from prison or end of probation, the impacts on their life continue for years. Even though a person- especially a member of the Black community-may have paid their debt to society, they still are hit with a harder time getting a job, new roadblocks to owning a home, higher insurance costs and even an increased likelihood of denial for continuing education,” Buckner said. “Getting the Clean Slate Act across the finish line is a major step forward for equity and it will help give people the real second chance they deserve.”

More than 2.2 million Illinoisans have an old arrest record or minor conviction that would currently qualify for sealing, but that process can be complicated and costly. It’s estimated that only 10% of those eligible have been able to receive relief, making it more difficult for many to qualify for affordable housing, to advance their education, and even to find employment.

Last fall Buckner, in a continuing commitment to build a more equitable justice system, worked to pass the Clean Slate Act (House Bill 1836), which was signed into law today. It will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement, prosecutors and sensitive employers-such as daycares and schools. Arrests resulting in an acquittal or dismissal will be sealed immediately, while misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after two years.

The most serious felonies, domestic abuse convictions and other violent crimes against persons will not be eligible for sealing.

The measure is the product of years of negotiation with business groups, law enforcement, housing advocates and criminal justice reformers.

“A stronger economic future is also dependent on ensuring formerly incarcerated people with minor offenses can become contributing members of the community,” Buckner said. “That can’t happen with the burden of a criminal record hanging around their necks. The Clean Slate Act is a victory for equity, public safety and economic stability, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to pass it.”

CHICAGO — Comprehensive legislation to bring down home energy bills, hold large utility corporations accountable and create jobs that state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, passed last fall was signed into law today, marking a victory in his efforts to cut the cost of living.

“The focus of this measure is simple: lower utility bills. With a White House creating economic policy that drives an already-high cost of living up even higher, Illinoisans need relief on essential expenses,” Buckner said. “Adding a greater range of power supplies will provide greater stability to Illinois’ power grid, while lowering utility bills. Constructing new sources of reliable clean energy will create jobs, while lowering utility bills. Ensuring excess solar energy is captured and redistributed will advance our climate goals, while lowering utility bills. This is the environmentally and economically proactive bill Illinoisans deserve.”

Many Illinois residents have seen home energy costs skyrocket. Increased power demands from new high-tech businesses and Washington’s massive tax bill threaten to raise costs even further—resulting in $9.5 billion in increased state energy expenses. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Senate Bill 25) puts Illinois on better footing to counteract rising energy prices.

• • Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, ComEd customers can see substantial relief on monthly costs.
  • Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
  • Investing in energy efficiency programs: By directly expanding energy efficiency programs for residents, Senate Bill 25 lowers electricity prices by reducing overall demand and improves equity in programs by allocating a minimum amount of funds to support low-income customers.

The measure will additionally create up to 100,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by the federal budget bill— including over 50,000 lost manufacturing jobs in Illinois. As utility demands increase during the winter months, Senate Bill 25 will play a significant role in meeting the state’s energy needs, strengthening reliability and helping manage untenable costs for customers for both short- and long-term relief. 

“Clean energy is the future and harnessing its potential is key to building a stronger Illinois,” Buckner said. “I’m grateful to the many stakeholders and to my colleagues for the hard work it took to bring this vital legislation across the finish line.”