Taxpayers could get checks up to $600 and tax-free back-to-school shopping in $1.8 billion relief deal

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate Democrats proposed Friday a more than $1.8 billion inflation-busting relief plan that would wipe out state taxes on back-to-school shopping and groceries, stop higher gas taxes and deliver income and property tax refund checks statewide.

“This plan gets money back in the hands of consumers. They’ve endured through this pandemic. It’s time for the state to pay it forward,” Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) said at a Capitol press conference.

Under their plan, the state would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making up to $250,000 individually or up to $500,000 jointly. A household of four could see a $300 check.

The relief checks would likely come in late summer or early fall. Lawmakers estimated more than 97 percent of state taxpayers would get a check of some amount.

The plan also wipes out for six months the state sales tax on groceries and stops a gasoline tax increase from happening. The proposal is modeled after one Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in his budget speech earlier this year.

“We’re going to drive down skyrocketing gas and grocery costs and give people some needed relief,” said Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago).

The plan also includes property tax relief checks of up to $300 that would be mailed to taxpayers. This idea is also one that originated with Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal.

“Homeowners need help and this plan delivers direct relief to them,” said Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

The plan also wipes out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping. As proposed, the sales tax would be lifted from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“This recognizes the reality that families across the state face and should help lower the bill on their back-to-school shopping,” said Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).

The comprehensive proposal also includes expanded economic aid for lower-income workers and increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders.

The plan, included in legislation filed Friday in the Senate, totals more than $1.8 billion in economic relief. It could be voted on in the coming days as the legislative session heads toward a planned adjournment on April 8.

“Through responsible budgeting the state has wiped out deficits and paid our bills. Now is the time to pay it forward and get money back to taxpayers,” said Senator Bennett.

For more information on the bills outlined at the press conference, people can visit www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/PayItForwardPlan.