State budget offers $1.8 billion in tax relief including checks for most families

The state's new budget prioritizes working families by providing $1.8 billion in tax relief that includes $50 checks for most taxpayers, State Senator Steve Stadelman said this week regarding the spending plan he vote to approve Saturday at the conclusion of the Illinois General Assembly's spring legislative session.

A 1-percent grocery tax is being suspended for a year and the state's gas tax frozen for six months, both to address rising prices on store shelfs and at gas pumps. 

“We have heard the needs of Illinoisans, and we’re acting on those needs,” Stadelman said. “This budget responds to the difficult times that many people and families are facing with the rising cost of inflation on top of the ongoing struggle to fully recover from the pandemic.”

Under the budget, individual taxpayers earning $200,000 or less and couples filing jointly and making $400,000 or less would receive relief checks of $50 per adult and $100 per child or a maximum of $400 for a family of five or more. (The benefit is limited to three children per family.) Parents who go back-to-school shopping Aug. 5 through Aug. 14 also will receive a sales tax waiver on clothing, shoes and school supplies, while teachers and first responders will be eligible for increased tax credits.

“We spent the past few years getting the state’s finances back on track, now it’s our turn to help families do the same,” Stadelman said. “That’s why we approved a plan that will put more money back into Illinois residents’ pockets and ensure they can help our state continue on the path toward recovery.”

As part of the budget, Stadelman secured $5 million for local road improvements, economic development and support of law enforcement. He also won approval for $2.5 million for AAR Corp. to provide additional training for local aircraft repair workers and $1 million for local treatment of substance abuse and mental illness.

The budget also puts record funding toward local governments and toward additional pension payments, Stadelman said.

Renovations under way at Riverview Ice House

Renovations made possible in part by $2.5 million in state funding delivered by State Senator Steve Stadelman have begun at the Riverview Ice House. Lessons, leagues and programs are being relocated to Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park until the first phase of construction is complete this fall.

First phase improvements to the 46-year venue include replacement of the ice system mechanicals and concrete base floors along with new dasher boards, glass and infrared heat in the spectator areas. The second phase involves painting, new windows, roofing, plumbing, lighting, updates to locker rooms, restrooms and concessions and landscaping.

The capital funds secured by Stadelman offset a $6 milllion total renovation cost and helped convince the Rockford Park District to reverse a previous decision to close Riverview. A chartible contribution of $100,000 a year over 10 years toward operating expenses, made by Supply Core CEO Peter Provenzano and his wife, Heather, also played a key part in a public-private campaign in 2021 to keep Riverview open.

Apply for mortgage assistance now through May 31

Are you at risk of losing your home to foreclosure? Find out how you can receive up to $30,000 in free assistance from the state of Illinois to get caught up on your housing payments. Eligible recipients do NOT have to pay the money back. Learn more at IllinoisHousingHelp.org. The application period opened Monday and closes at 11:59 p.m. May 31.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Thank you to Rockford Ald. Karen Hoffman for inviting State Rep. Dave Vella and me to the Rolling Green neighborhood association to discuss plans for reconstructing Alpine Road. We also talked about crime and growing frustration over ATVs racing through city streets.
 

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Steve Stadelman
April 11 at 4:25 PM

With the spring legislative session wrapped up in Springfield, it's great to get back out in the 34th District. I met today with the leadership team at Kikifer's Entrepreneurial Academy in northwest Rockford and discussed government and journalism with K-12 students there. Congratulations to the Advisory Council working with ComEd on establishing the state's second Community of the Future, a collaboration to build a "smart community," defined as "connected, green and resilient" and leveraging energy technology to enhance people's lives. Rockford is the second such partnership after the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago.