Energy legislation creates thousands of jobs, fights climate change

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is on its way to becoming a national leader in the fight for clean energy while preserving thousands of jobs thanks to a landmark piece of legislation championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

The measure sets an ambitious goal of transitioning Illinois’ electric generation to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and 50% renewable energy by 2040. It also provides funding to keep Illinois’ nuclear plants open, helping preserve thousands of jobs and ensuring that they aren’t replaced with fossil fuel-burning plants that would contribute to climate change.

“After years of difficult negotiations, a broad coalition of stakeholders came to a bipartisan agreement that will define the future of clean energy in Illinois," Hastings said. "The Illinois Senate, and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, refuse to allow ratepayers to foot the bill for a transition to a cleaner energy future that did not include our valued nuclear fleet."

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Happy Labor Day

This upcoming Labor Day, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus would like to thank all the hardworking people of Illinois who make this state a great place to live. We would like to give extra praise to the essential and frontline workers who have spent more than a year risking their health and livelihood to take for the rest of us. Thank you!

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NAPERVILLE – Families across the 21st District will soon be able to enjoy upgrades to services at their local libraries as a result of almost $330,000 in state grants, announced State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Libraries provide so many necessary services to local families,” Ellman said. “The resources we give to our libraries, they put back into our communities tenfold.”

The $330,000 in grants received by five 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.

LOCKPORT – Patrons of local libraries will soon see service upgrades due to more than $521,000 in state grants, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) announced.

“Libraries are such a valuable resource to our communities,” Connor said. “Not only can residents borrow books and movies at the library, but they can access the internet reliably, use public computers and printers, or even just find a quiet space to study or work remotely.”

The $521,000 received by five 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.

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.