PEORIA – A number of libraries in the 46th District will soon receive upgrades to services as a result of more than $363,000 in state grants, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Libraries provide our communities with a wide range of resources beyond lending books and movies,” Koehler said. “Many people rely on libraries for access to the internet or to be able to use computers and printers. It’s critical that we provide our libraries with the support they need to keep offering these resources.”

The $363,000 received by 12 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

GRAYSLAKE — A steadfast advocate of a woman’s right to choose, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement after Texas’ six-week abortion ban went into effect early Wednesday morning due to inaction from the nation’s top court:

“Millions of women across Texas were just stripped of their right to choose — and the impact is bound to be devastating. It’s disheartening and downright appalling that a basic health care right is being attacked in yet another state.

“Restrictive laws like the one in Texas don’t ban abortion — they ban safe abortion. They make abortion more dangerous and kill women. 

“While I am relieved women in Illinois are able to depend on the reproductive health care they need, I can honestly say I am afraid of what’s next when it comes to the infringement upon women’s rights across this country. We must stand strong against this misogyny.” 

Bush championed a law in 2017 that ensures Illinois women would still have access to safe and legal abortions should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. She also led the monumental 2019 Reproductive Health Act, which repealed outdated abortion laws that have been blocked by the courts and ensured reproductive health care is treated like all other health care, and not as a crime.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) offered a statement following the Senate passage of a comprehensive clean energy measure that places Illinois at the forefront of the clean energy economy:

“The evidence and science is clear on how vital it is to aggressively address the intensifying climate crisis, especially for the communities that have always been disproportionately affected by the harmful practices of fossil fuel companies.

WEST CHICAGO – As children return to school, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) is making sure parents know they may be able to claim their students’ school expenses on their 2021 Illinois individual tax returns. 

“Back-to-school expenses can be a burden, but parents now have the opportunity to receive tax benefits if they take the right steps,” Villa said. “Families should remember to claim these expenses on their tax returns to help prepare their children for a bright academic future.” 

Qualified educational expenses include tuition and book and lab fees more than $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.  For home schooled students — book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of full-time K-12 students younger than 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250.  The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students. Parents must attach a receipt they receive from the school and potentially fill out a schedule when they file their taxes.
 

"Parents invest a great deal in education so I encourage them to take advantage of this valuable savings,” Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris said. “It is just important for them to remember to keep the receipts for any qualifying expenses, so they are accessible when it comes time to file their taxes.”

More information about the Illinois Education Expensive Credit can be found on IDOR’s website.

MARYVILLE – As students return to the classroom this fall, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is joining the Illinois Department of Revenue in reminding parents that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2021 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“With kids heading back to school this month, parents are busy shopping for their kids to get them ready for the year ahead,” Crowe said. “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.” 

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under the age of 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses, up to a total annual credit of $750.

"Parents invest a great deal in education so I encourage them to take advantage of this valuable savings,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “It is just important for them to remember to keep the receipts for any qualifying expenses, so they are accessible when it comes time to file their taxes.”

Over 206,000 taxpayers claimed the Illinois Education Expense Credit last year. The total amount claimed was more than $65.8 million, with an average credit of $319.

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, parents are encouraged to read IDOR Publication 132 and Publication 119 (for home schooled students) located on the department’s website, tax.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Senate’s passage of comprehensive clean energy legislation, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) released the following statement:

“After months of meeting with my environment advisory committee and key stakeholders, I am proud to vote for the Energy Transition Act, a first-of-its-kind energy policy overhaul that paves the way for Illinois’ clean energy future for generations to come.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) returned to Springfield Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 18, a comprehensive energy package saving thousands of jobs and protecting Illinois’ future as a leader in cutting-edge energy production. Following the passage of this important legislation, Joyce released the following statement:

“Under this landmark energy legislation, I’m proud and relieved to say the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants – which employ more than 1,500 workers – have a path to remain open. Thousands of hardworking Illinoisans can rest easy tonight knowing their livelihoods will not be stripped away and they’ll be able to put food on their family’s table.

“As a legislative body, we have a responsibility to protect our communities. These plants play an integral role in our community and are more than just a local power source - they have a direct impact on our economy, too. With that in mind, I was proud to vote yes on this package striking a good balance between addressing environmental concerns and supporting the workforce that powers our community and our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) joined his colleagues to take action on the future of Illinois’ energy production and began laying out the framework for the state to move forward with clean and safe energy and good-paying jobs for future generations.

“This legislation will help us invest in the future of our state,” Martwick said. “Creating tens of thousands of jobs through clean energy programs will ensure that we are on the right path in the fight against climate change.”

This legislation, SB 18 makes Illinois a national leader in reducing carbon emissions through renewable, reliable and affordable energy suppliers, as well as training programs for thousands of well-paying jobs. Creating programs to set Illinois on an aggressive path to fully renewable energy generation by 2050, these investments in renewable energy are the largest in the history of Illinois.

Under the plan, Illinois would be investing in large solar construction across the state to help provide renewable energy to residents. The state would also be investing in nuclear power plants and ensuring that Illinois will not choose to import energy from carbon-polluting plants.

“Our focus is to position Illinois as the leader of the renewable energy future,” Martwick said. “Securing thousands of jobs for the people of Illinois means more economic stability for residents who will find security in the clean-energy sector.”

The legislation would create a number of statewide programs to help train these new workers for the clean-energy sector and green energy jobs with a focus on minority and lower-income communities.