06/16/2026
I spent the last two days in Detroit with organizers, advocates, researchers, elected officials, and movement leaders from across the country at the Fair Tax Summit. I was also happy to get face to face time with the State Innovation Exchange’s Tax Justice Initiative Cohort.
We came together because communities everywhere are asking the same question. How do we make sure our states have the resources to keep our people fed, housed, healthy, educated, and cared for without asking everyday people to carry the burden?
Illinois isn’t alone in this fight. States across the country are advancing bold revenue ideas, challenging austerity, and proving that another path is possible. This year, Illinois became the fourth state to pass a digital ad tax, and I’m proud of the work so many legislators, advocates, organizers, and partners did together to help make that happen. It’s a reminder that when we organize, build coalition, and refuse to accept false choices, we can win.
I also left with even more clarity. The challenges facing our communities are growing faster than our current revenue system can keep up. Families are losing food assistance. Health care is under attack. Schools are facing cuts. The need is urgent, and our response has to match it.
I’m heading home with new ideas, stronger partnerships, and even more determination to keep building revenue that doesn’t come off the backs of working people.
Back in Illinois. Back to work.
