A Vision for Illinois' Future
Welcome to the Illinois State Proposal page. Here, you'll discover my commitment to saving costs for residents and addressing our state's deficit issues. Learn how I plan to put people above corporations and build a better Illinois for all.
Join the CitizenHelton Revolution: Fix Illinois’ Budget, Secure Pensions, and Protect Families
By Andrew Helton, Chief Co-Sponsor & Citizen Advocate
November 26, 2025
Illinois families are tired of broken budgets, skyrocketing property taxes, and a $201 billion pension crisis draining our schools and roads. That’s why I crafted the Citizenhelton United Illinois Governance Accountability Act of 2026 (HBXXXX/SBXXXX)—a citizen-led blueprint to unite us across the aisle, generate $3.5–$4.5 billion in annual savings by 2030, and build a fairer future. As its chief co-sponsor, I’m thrilled to share this reform: Fair taxes on the wealthiest, ironclad protections for working families, and real growth for downstate jobs.
Introduced for the 104th Assembly’s lame-duck session, this Act—ends gridlock without pain. Here’s how it works:
End Gridlock with Bipartisan Safeguards
At its core: The Illinois Compromise Commission oversees every trigger and allocation with a 60% cross-aisle vote—ensuring no solo agendas. Automatic appropriations keep government humming during impasses, while a public Citizen Database shines light on bills.
Why it matters: Builds trust in a divided Springfield, echoing FY2026’s anti-shutdown successes. 65% of voters demand collaboration—let’s deliver.
Fair Share Taxes: Relief for Families, Not Burdens
Tiered surcharges kick in 2027 on high earners only: 1% over $750K (single)/$1M (joint), scaling to +2% over $10M. Nets $1.1–$1.4 billion yearly to the Pension Stabilization Fund—until systems hit 100% funding, then debt payoff.
• 10% to property rebates: $110 million for moderate-income homeowners—direct checks to ease our nation’s-highest levies (up 5.2% in 2025).
• Family shields: Boost EITC to 25% of federal (extra $200–$500/household); +$250/dependent exemptions, inflation-proofed. Biennial hearings guarantee no net hit for those under 200% poverty.
Impact: Shields 80% of Illinoisans while closing the $267 million FY2026 deficit 10x over.
Pension Reform: Sustainable, Not Sacrificial
Permanently enhances Tier 3 hybrids for new hires (3% COLA + 7% employer contributions) with voluntary Tier 2 upgrades. $20 million yearly for AI fraud detection; auto-transfers excess revenues. For legacy Tier 1: Commission-recommended 1.5% COLA tweaks only if under 80% funded (bipartisan approval required), plus 10% lump-sum buyouts.
Why secure? Shaves $1.5 billion in liabilities annually—ramping to 70% funding by 2035, avoiding $53 billion Tier 2 blowups.
Growth & Efficiency: Jobs, Savings, and Access
• Spending cap: Locks growth at CPI + population (~2.5%), exempting essentials—saves $800 million, curbing bloat.
• Medicaid smart fixes: 20% value-based payments by 2028 yield $500 million to pensions; forums protect rural care.
• Diversification credits: $100 million for tech/manufacturing/green energy in non-metro counties (50+ jobs per $1 million invested)—spurs 8,000 roles, 0.5% GDP boost, and curbs 67,000-person out-migration. Broadband/housing incentives add affordable units and connectivity.
Proven ROI: Like FY2026’s $20 billion investments, this attracts business without broad hikes.
Independent fiscal certification and severability ensure accountability—caps start FY2027, taxes/pensions 2027 onward.
Reform That Puts People First: My 2026 Plan for a Fairer Illinois
By Andrew Helton, Chief Co-Sponsor & Citizen Advocate
November 26, 2025
Illinois, we’ve had enough of budgets that favor insiders over everyday folks. My CitizenHelton United Illinois Governance Accountability Act of 2026 is a people-first blueprint—fully drafted, ready to file in the 104th Assembly. It prioritizes your well-being: No tax hikes on working families, real relief for pensions and homes, and growth that lifts everyone. With $9–$10 billion in savings and new revenue over 10 years, this isn’t pie-in-the-sky—it’s accountable governance that safeguards low-to-mid income households while fueling downstate jobs–– join the movement.
Here’s the plan in plain English—bold reforms, zero fluff:
1. Working Families Pay ZERO Extra in Taxes
New surcharges target only the ultra-wealthy: 1% on income over $750,000 (single)/$1 million (joint), plus 1.5% over $5 million/$10 million. Thresholds rise with inflation—no trickle-down pain for you.
2. Working Families Get Money Back—Directly
Earned Income Tax Credit surges from 20% to 25% of the federal amount (extra $200–$500 for millions of households). Add $250 per child exemption, all indexed to inflation. Biennial reviews ensure fairness.
3. Public Workers Keep Real, Secure Pensions
New hires lock in an enhanced Tier 3 hybrid: Guaranteed 3% compounded COLA on defined benefits, plus state contributions jumping to 7% (from 3%) into cash-balance accounts. Current Tier 2 workers can upgrade voluntarily—with full credit preserved.
4. Pensions Fully Funded—Once and For All
Every surcharge dollar flows straight to our five state systems until they reach 100% funding (projected 2045). Surpluses tackle debt and backlogs—no more raids on schools or roads.
5. Rural and Downstate Get Lightning-Fast Internet
Surcharge-funded tax credits—paid by out-of-state data centers—plus mandatory 30-day permitting. Bridges the digital divide, unlocking remote work and education for underserved areas.
6. Thousands of Affordable Homes Built—Fast and Fair
Density bonuses and 90-day zoning approvals for projects with 20% affordable units. Self-funded TIF rebates from new property taxes mean zero upfront cost to taxpayers—more homes, lower long-term burdens.
7. Springfield Gridlock Ends—Permanently
Bipartisan Compromise Commission mandates 60% cross-aisle votes on key decisions. Automatic continuing appropriations prevent shutdowns; missed deadlines trigger small, targeted admin cuts (essentials exempt).
This is your bill—citizen-crafted to deliver without excuses. It balances growth (8,000 jobs via diversification credits) with safeguards (property rebates easing 5.2% 2025 spikes), all under transparent oversight.
Illinois deserves leaders who work for us. Let’s file Dec. 1 and pass it in 2026.
Andrew Helton: Building a fairer Illinois, one reform at a time. Follow @Citizenhelton.
A Balanced Approach
This proposal is designed to foster economic growth, ensuring that it doesn't come at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens. It protects low-to-mid income families without adding to their tax burden, while also providing incentives for wealth creation. I believe in a balanced approach that benefits all Illinoisans.
Share the Vision
Help spread the word about my proposal and vision for a better Illinois. Share this page with your friends, family, and colleagues, and let's work together to create a brighter future for our state. Together, we can make Illinois a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As Citizen Helton, I'm testing the waters for a presidential campaign and your support in Illinois is invaluable.