Press Release:  Vote ‘No,’ Take The Dough: Illinois Republicans Tout Library Funding They Voted Against It

Springfield, IL — Illinois House and Senate Republicans attempted to block legislation that funded essential libraries in their own districts. Nine Illinois Republican legislators celebrated more than $800,000 in library grants being allocated to their districts despite voting against funding for them.

“Libraries are critical resources that families rely on every day, supporting children’s education, providing free internet access, and giving communities a place to gather,” said Democratic Party of Illinois spokesperson Gwen Pepin. “Illinois Republicans voted against funding libraries, only to turn around and take credit for them once the funding reached their districts.”

Here’s the ILGOP’s record of celebrating funding for libraries, despite voting against them:

• Since August 2023, at least nine Illinois Republican legislators celebrated more than $800,000 of library grants being allocated to their districts despite voting against funding for them.

  • In September 2024, Rep. Tony McCombie celebrated her district receiving over $200,000 of state-sponsored grants for libraries, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In June 2026, Rep. Nicole La Ha celebrated her district receiving state-sponsored grants for libraries, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In July 2025, Rep. Jason Bunting celebrated his district receiving over $100,000 of state-sponsored grants for libraries, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In June 2025, Rep. Jackie Haas publicly celebrated her district receiving over $27,000 in library grants, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In April 2025, Rep. Martin McLaughlin publicly celebrated his district receiving state-sponsored library grants, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In August 2024, Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro publicly celebrated her district receiving over $300,000 in library grants, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In December 2023 and April 2025, Sen. Erica Harriss celebrated her district receiving more than $22,000 of state-sponsored library grants, despite voting against funding for them two years in a row.

  • In April 2025, Sen. Seth Lewis publicly celebrated his district receiving over $125,000 library grants, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In December 2023, Sen. Dale Fowler publicly celebrated his district receiving $35,000 in library grants, despite voting against funding for them.

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