Vol 8 - November 2025: No Federal Taxes for individuals under 23, or under 26 for full-time students and married couples

Freedom starts with financial independence. And now, it’s time to extend that freedom to the next generation of Americans.

Welcome back to Straight Talk with Casey—your monthly look at bold, common-sense reform that puts hardworking Americans first.

In previous editions, we’ve tackled some of the biggest financial burdens facing Illinois families:

– Property Taxes, the never-ending tax that strips homeowners of true ownership.– IRS Taxes on Social Security, the double taxation that unfairly penalizes seniors who already paid into the system their entire lives.– IRS Taxes on Retirement Income, the surprise tax hikes that hit retirees’ pensions, 401(k)s, and savings accounts at a time when every penny counts.

Each of these reforms shares a simple truth: Freedom starts with financial independence. And now, it’s time to extend that freedom to the next generation of Americans.

Because the future of our country depends on giving young people a fair start—not one weighed down by debt, high rent, and stagnant wages.

That’s why I’m introducing Pillar 4 of the MAGNA Agenda: No Federal Taxes for individuals under 23, or under 26 for full-time students and married couples

What It Does

The Young Adult American Dream Act would eliminate federal income tax for all Americans under age 23, or under age 26 if a full-time student, are married or have qualified dependents under 18.

This plan recognizes that building a strong nation begins with strong individuals. It gives every young American—whether they attended college, trade school, joined the military, or entered the workforce right after high school—a start in life that allows them to become responsible, contributing members of society while providing a path to building wealth, a future, and working toward the American Dream.

It’s not about government giving more—it’s about government taking less, so young Americans can work, save, and invest in the country they’re helping to build.

“When we help young Americans start life on a strong footing, we strengthen the country they’ll one day lead. This isn’t just an investment in their future—it’s an investment in America.”— Casey Chlebek

The Challenge Young Americans Face

Today’s young adults are starting life under far tougher conditions than their parents or grandparents did.

Thirty years ago, when Gen X entered the workforce, an entry-level job paid about $23,000 a year—roughly $50,000 in today’s dollars. Today, a Gen Z worker starting out earns nearly the same—around $47,000 to $49,000—but faces prices and debts that have climbed dramatically higher. The cost of college has grown nearly 180 percent since the early 1990s, far outpacing both inflation and wage growth, and leaving many young adults with large amounts of debt before they even have a chance to collect their first paycheck.

“I graduated two years ago with a business degree and almost $28,000 in student loans. I make about $46,000 a year, but between rent, insurance, and car payments, I can’t afford to move out. If I could keep a few thousand more from taxes, that’s the difference between renting my first apartment or continuing to live with my parents.”— Megan S., 24, Schaumburg

Meanwhile, the dream of homeownership is slipping further away. Home prices have surged nearly 40 percent since 2019, while starter-home supply has plummeted to historic lows. Even for those who choose different and equally honorable paths—skilled trades, apprenticeships, or military service—rising rent, transportation, and everyday costs make it harder to save or get ahead.

And the ripple effects are everywhere:

• Nearly 60 percent of Gen Z adults still live with family, compared to roughly 35 percent of Boomers at the same age.

• Marriage, family formation, and first-time homeownership are all happening later than ever—not because young people don’t want those milestones, but because they can’t afford them.

Young Americans today aren’t less ambitious—they’re just starting further behind. The system they’re entering is heavier, costlier, and less forgiving than the one previous generations enjoyed.

“I’m watching my three grown kids struggle even though they all work hard. They can’t save, can’t buy, can’t plan ahead. I’ve always believed America rewards effort, but right now, it doesn’t feel that way. Casey’s plan makes sense—it rewards work and responsibility instead of punishing it.”— Mary L., 64, small business owner, Will County

The Young Adult American Dream Act gives them a fighting chance to catch up—to save, build stability, and participate fully in the American Dream. By allowing young workers to keep more of what they earn, we can help them move out, buy homes, start families, and strengthen the communities that keep America strong.

What It Means for Young Workers

Under this plan, a typical worker earning $40,000 a year would keep $3,500–$4,200 more in take-home pay each year.For young couples or parents who qualify under the expanded age limit, the benefit doubles—to nearly $8,000 annually.

That additional income can:

• Pay off student or training debt years sooner

• Build emergency savings or fund a down payment on a first home

• Support career training or new business ventures

• Help young parents provide stability for their families

When young Americans have the freedom to save, plan, and build, they don’t just create stronger futures for themselves—they create stronger families, neighborhoods, and communities.

A Win for the Economy—and for America’s Future

When young workers are empowered to build, America grows stronger.

By letting them keep more of their paycheck, we encourage personal responsibility, local investment, and long-term economic growth.

Economists estimate the Young Adult American Dream Act could:

• Boost GDP by up to $85 billion annually

• Create 400,000–500,000 new jobs within five years

• Increase lifetime wealth through earlier homeownership and savings

• Strengthen small businesses and local economies through greater consumer participation

But beyond the numbers, the most powerful benefit is civic: When young Americans can afford to buy homes, put down roots, and start families, they become stakeholders in their country’s success. They build communities, invest in local schools and businesses, and form the social fabric that keeps America strong.

That’s the heart of this policy—to encourage commitment, responsibility, and ownership in the next generation of citizens.

A Fair Start for a New Generation

Every generation before Millennials and Gen Z had a better deal—affordable housing, lower education costs, and a real path to prosperity.

It’s time to give today’s young Americans that same chance to rise.

The Young Adult American Dream Act ensures that every young worker—whether in a classroom, on a job site, in uniform, or running their first business—has a fair shot at financial security and a stake in America’s future.

My MAGNA Vision

The Young Adult American Dream Act builds upon the pillars already introduced in the MAGNA Agenda—Making America the Greatest Nation Again.

From abolishing property taxes, to ending double taxation on Social Security, to protecting retirement savings from IRS overreach, and now freeing young workers from crushing income taxes—each pillar restores the same promise:

If you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve to keep what you earn.

That’s how we restore ownership, independence, and the American Dream—for every generation.

Coming Next Month: Pillar 5 – The Small Business Tax Freedom Plan: Creating a five-year federal tax holiday for new small businesses to grow, hire, and thrive in every corner of America.

We Want to Hear from You

If you’re a student, a young tradesperson, a service member, or a parent who believes in giving the next generation a real stake in our nation’s success—I want to hear your story. Share it with me at info@caseyforsenate.com, and join our movement to restore opportunity, dignity, and ownership for every American.

Together, we can make America the Greatest Nation Again.

Yours in service,

Casey Chlebek

Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate, Illinois