Chicago City Wire

Illinois State Representative Brad Stephens, along with House Republicans Kevin Schmidt, Kyle Moore, and Mike Coffey, introduced a legislative package aimed at easing the financial burden on working families in Illinois. The "Relief for Working Families" bill package includes several measures designed to provide tax relief and encourage economic development.

Among the proposals is House Bill 1752, filed by Stephens in January. This bill would allow taxpayers to exclude up to $5,250 of educational assistance provided by an employer from their taxable income each year. According to Stephens, this measure would help employees cover costs like tuition and books.

The package also includes other bills such as HB1383, which allows deductions for state taxes on tips included in federal adjusted gross income; HB3821, which proposes doubling the education expense tax credit from $750 to $1,500; and HB1351, which encourages eliminating first-year business fees related to licensure or registration of new businesses.

Additional components of the plan include establishing the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program (HB3807), increasing trade training options through a new teaching license (HB1112), and offering tax credits for contributions to technical education scholarships (HB1729).

In another effort led by Stephens, safety concerns near O'Hare International Airport are being addressed through legislation. The O’Hare Driver Safety Act was enacted last year to prevent vehicles from idling or stopping on highway shoulders near the airport. However, enforcement has been complicated by jurisdictional issues. To resolve this, Stephens introduced HB 1502 to grant state agencies necessary authority for implementing the law.

In district news, Stephens participated in a groundbreaking event for Leyden Senior Apartments and Senior Center. This development aims to improve senior living with an 80-unit housing facility and community center.

Additionally, former Governor Jim Edgar has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Edgar served as Illinois Governor from 1991-1999 and is remembered for his leadership during economic challenges and major reforms. He has begun treatment and expressed gratitude for support received from Illinois residents.