ELGIN – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Cristina Castro announced funding for investments in four local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Spending time outdoors has many benefits, from encouraging people to be physically active to improving cognitive function and memory,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By making critical improvements to our local parks and outdoor spaces, we are prioritizing the overall well-being of our residents.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

WOOD RIVER – Kris Tharp, a captain and jail administrator for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience and a life-long volunteer in the Metro East, was sworn in to represent Illinois’ 56th Senate District Friday.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “We have a lot of important issues to explore this year, and I’m eager to serve the residents of the 56th District in this new role.”

Tharp has worked through the ranks of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and dedicated his life to improving public safety for communities throughout the Metro East. In addition to his roles as a captain and jail administrator, Tharp serves as a Deputy Commander for the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.

On what was to be a day of celebration, a gunman opened fire on the Highland Park 4th of July parade, killing seven and injuring dozens more.

State Senator Julie Morrison — who represents the town — was among those at the tragic event.

“Families – including my own – set out on the 4th of July morning for a day of fun and festivities, yet were soon faced with the unthinkable: a mass shooting in their very own community,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The fear that goes through your mind when you don't know if your friends and family are safe is one of the most gut wrenching feelings – one that far too many people across this country feel.”

Members from across the Northern Suburbs and the state as a whole quickly paid homage to the Highland Park community.

Family Relief Plan takes effect

Starting today, July 1, residents will begin to see direct relief at the pump, grocery store and soon in their mailbox thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan championed by Illinois Democrats.

“This new law puts money back in the pockets of homeowners and families in the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who served as chief sponsor of the plan. “We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and world has seen in the last century. It is crucial that we prioritize families by providing them with much-needed and deserved relief to keep growing Illinois’ economy.”

The $1.8 billion tax relief plan championed by the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus during the spring session prioritizes families, single parents and vulnerable communities.

The majority of Illinoisans – more than 95% of taxpayers – will receive a one-time tax refund by the fall of 2022. Individual filers will receive $50 and joint filers will receive $100, with an additional $100 for up to three dependents. It also provides up to $300 in property tax relief for homeowners.

Rebates will be sent automatically using the same method original refunds were transmitted if they were sent directly to the taxpayer by the State of Illinois – either through direct deposit or mailed directly to their home. People should expect their relief checks starting in mid-September.

Further, to give consumers an economic boost for back-to-school shopping, the plan includes a state sales tax reduction on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August. The sales tax will be lowered to 1.25% from 6.25% from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14. Items include certain clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item. Teachers will also be eligible for a tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of school supplies.

The plan also addresses inflation by suspending the 1% state grocery tax for one year and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months to help with rising prices at the pump.

“We prioritized families struggling to make ends meet, the single mom worrying about how she’ll afford school supplies and child care, and the family who feels they can’t catch a break – and we put together a fiscally responsible, compassionate plan to signal to each of those families that their needs are what we are fighting for,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is paying its bills and we are fighting to help struggling families pay theirs as well.”

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Happy Fourth of July!

It's Fourth of July weekend! From family picnics to big firework shows, people across Illinois will celebrate the freedom granted to this great nation years ago.
From the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to you, we hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day.

Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

PEORIA – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler and other members of the General Assembly, Illinoisans who purchase electric vehicles will now be eligible to apply for a rebate.

“If it’s our goal to increase the accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board, we have to make sure we’re including everyone in the conversation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other electric vehicles, we’re encouraging sustainability to an even greater population.”

The rebate program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in the fall of 2021. Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has nearly $18 million allocated for rebates, and Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are now eligible to apply for a rebate of $4,000 each. To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways.

PLAINFIELD – With Independence Day right around the corner, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is joining law enforcement officials in reminding people to celebrate safely and drive sober.

“The top priority for everyone has to be keeping themselves and others safe, and that starts by planning ahead on how you’re going to safely travel home,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I wish you all a safe and happy Fourth of July.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation launched a multimedia safety campaign – “It’s Not a Game” – that drives home the message there are no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances to get it right when you are behind the wheel.

CHAMPAIGN – With Independence Day right around the corner, State Senator Scott Bennett is joining law enforcement officials in reminding people to celebrate safely and drive sober.

“Unfortunately, the holiday weekend can create dangerous driving situations when individuals choose to drive while impaired,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly by booking a safe ride home or designating a sober driver if your celebrations include alcohol.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation launched a multimedia safety campaign – “It’s Not a Game” – that drives home the message there are no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances to get it right when you are behind the wheel.

CHICAGO –State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) along with other elected officials, community activists, business leaders and nonprofit executives held a press conference today in Rogers Park to reflect on the value of Pride Month and offer their thoughts on the state of LGBTQ+ progress in the wake of the Supreme Court case overturning Roe v. Wade. 

“The LGBTQ community is resplendent and beautiful in its diversity. As the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Illinois Senate, I took great pride in convening so many people from across our large community to reflect on Pride and offer their own unique thoughts on the moment we’re living in,” Simmons said. “It was a healing space for so many. It was humbling for me to be in community with so many leaders I respect deeply.” 

"This Pride Month has been a veritable roller coaster of emotions. The highs of parades and parties and reconnecting with friends were often overwhelmed by the lows of historic attacks on our rights,” State Rep. Kelly Cassidy said. “Coming together in community yesterday was a lovely way to acknowledge the complexities of our present and a reminder that there is joy in fighting for liberation."