Increasing Affordability: Darin LaHood's Strategy for Election Year

Increasing Affordability: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's Focus Ahead of Election Year As the election year approaches, U.S. Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois is advocating for strategies to improve affordability for American families. LaHood, a Republican from Dunlap, highlights the economic priorities that contributed to President Trump's election, asserting, “One of the reasons why President Trump got elected was to fix the economy.” LaHood is suggesting that one way to achieve this is by reevaluating existing tariffs, particularly on essential goods like groceries and various commodities. He believes that reducing tariffs could lower costs for consumers. “I think pivoting from our current tariff policy can be very helpful to companies like Caterpillar and John Deere that rely on markets and customers around the world,” he explained. This discussion comes in light of an important Supreme Court decision regarding the legality of tariffs implemented under the Trump administration. LaHood hopes the court's ruling will decrease tariffs on allied nations, thereby enhancing market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products such as corn and soybeans. Economic concerns are paramount for Illinois residents, as indicated by a recent WGN/Emerson College poll, which found that 40.4% of respondents rank the economy as their top issue. Healthcare follows closely as a significant concern, with only 12.9% prioritizing it above other topics. Healthcare policy remains a contentious topic, notably highlighted by a 43-day government shutdown last year attributed to disputes between Republicans and Democrats over a healthcare program related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This program, which provided tax credits covering many people's health insurance costs, is set to end in 2025. Recently, 17 Republicans aligned with House Democrats to extend the ACA program; however, the legislation now faces uncertainty in the Senate, where the majority leader has indicated he will not bring it to a vote. LaHood opposed the extension, citing a lack of income limits that would restrict tax credits to those truly in need. “If you make $500,000 and you are receiving the Obama tax cuts, you’re able to continue to receive those [tax credits]," he stated. "I don’t think that’s correct. These are intended for people that can’t afford healthcare.” LaHood expressed support for implementing financial thresholds to ensure tax credits are allocated correctly to those who require assistance the most. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.