'Tax the rich!' advocates target billionaires, digital ads

Illinois lawmakers propose surcharge on billionaires, tax on digital advertising to boost state revenue

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Advocates and lawmakers in Illinois are calling for new taxes on billionaires and digital advertising to generate an estimated $3 billion in additional state revenue. The proposals aim to redirect wealth back into local communities and provide more resources for public services and economic development.

Why it matters

The push to 'tax the rich' reflects growing concerns about wealth inequality and the perception that the wealthiest individuals and corporations are not paying their fair share. Proponents argue that redirecting funds from the ultra-wealthy and tech giants could strengthen Illinois' economy and provide much-needed support for education, infrastructure, and social services.

The details

State Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) and State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) are leading the charge for new taxes on billionaires and digital advertising. The lawmakers propose a surcharge on billionaires' wealth and a tax on digital ad revenue generated in Illinois. They estimate these measures could bring in around $3 billion in additional state revenue.

  • The advocates made their proposals during a legislative session on Wednesday, February 6, 2026.
  • Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his budget speech on February 18, 2026.

The players

State Sen. Rachel Ventura

A Democratic state senator representing Joliet, Illinois who is advocating for new taxes on billionaires and digital advertising.

State Sen. Robert Peters

A Democratic state senator representing Chicago, Illinois who is advocating for new taxes on billionaires and digital advertising.

Gov. JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who will deliver his state budget proposal on February 18, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The economy – it's not going to keep working if we give our money right to the rich. That's not our labor force. That's not our resources. So, the way to have a strong economy is putting these dollars back into our community that make a strong economy to attract more businesses to come to Illinois.”

— State Sen. Rachel Ventura (Capitol City Now)

“It says in the Book of Proverbs, without a vision the people perish. We cannot go back in time. We have to learn from the mistakes of our past, including the period of (former Gov.) Bruce Rauner. We have to have a vision about what we can give people: the world that they deserve, the safety and comfort that they deserve. In a state with such a large economy, we should be able to give people that comfort and dignity. We cannot cut our way out of it.”

— State Sen. Robert Peters (Capitol City Now)

What’s next

Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his state budget proposal on February 18, 2026, which will likely address the lawmakers' calls for new taxes on billionaires and digital advertising.

The takeaway

The push to 'tax the rich' in Illinois reflects a growing national movement to address wealth inequality by requiring the wealthiest individuals and corporations to contribute more in taxes. While the specific proposals face political and legal hurdles, the debate highlights the ongoing tensions around how to fund critical public services and support economic development in a fair and equitable manner.