Dupage Policy Journal

Thousands of bills have been filed at the Capitol this year, and committees are currently busy reviewing them. Citizens can use witness slips to express their support or opposition to any bill scheduled for a hearing. The portal for filing these slips opens when a bill is set for a hearing and closes after the committee meeting.

Senator Seth Lewis has highlighted the importance of witness slips, stating, "If there is a bill for which you have strong feelings, please add your opinion to the official record!"

The Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) will hold their 35th annual "Cherry Pie Day" at the Capitol on March 6. This event serves as a day of awareness for homeschool families in Illinois. Participants will meet at the State Capitol in Springfield between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to distribute pies to legislators.

A recent audit by the Auditor General revealed significant issues with Governor JB Pritzker's healthcare program for undocumented immigrants. The report identified over 6,000 enrollees listed as "undocumented" who had Social Security Numbers and noted that costs were nearly three times higher than projected. Senator Lewis supports Senate Bill 1699, which aims to increase transparency in taxpayer-funded programs.

Senator Lewis recently welcomed students from Addison Trail High School to Springfield, where they discussed state government roles and civic engagement.

In response to rising property taxes, Senate Republicans are advocating for relief measures such as Senate Bill 2086 and Senate Bill 2093. These proposals aim to raise income eligibility for certain exemptions and make tax credits refundable.

Illinois taxpayers are reminded by the Department of Revenue about key tax credits available when filing their 2024 returns. These include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW), Education Expense Credit, and Property Tax Credit.

Senator Lewis expressed gratitude towards those who participated in his Valentines for Seniors program, distributing over 3,000 valentines across nursing homes in DuPage and Suburban Cook Counties.

With the REAL ID deadline approaching on May 7, Illinois residents are encouraged not to delay obtaining this updated driver's license required for domestic flights post-deadline. Expanded Saturday hours are available at select DMV locations until May 10 specifically for REAL ID services.

DuPage County offers scholarships through its Community Services Block Grant program aimed at low-income individuals with high academic potential. Applications must be submitted by May 2.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications until April 14 for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants designed to help rural fire departments enhance their capabilities against wildfires.