Thanks for continuing to read my bi-weekly updates. It’s crucial that we stay connected so I can inform you on the latest issues pertinent to our communities.
This week, I’d like to share information with you about low-income energy assistance, legislation I’m supporting to benefit seniors, local events coming up, and more!
Free Shred Event Saturday in Lebanon
I will be hosting a FREE Shred Event this Saturday, June 22nd, offering a confidential shredding service for personal documents. The event will take place at McKendree University/Lot C, located at 701 College Road in Lebanon from 9-11am.
Protecting your personal information is crucial, and this free Shred Event is a step towards enhancing our community’s security. Whether it’s old financial statements, medical records, or other confidential documents, this event provides a safe and convenient way to dispose of them.
In today’s world, safeguarding personal information is a must. The FREE Shred Event provides an invaluable opportunity for local residents to dispose of sensitive documents securely and responsibly. There is a five-box maximum for personal documents for confidential shredding.
Supporting Illinois Seniors
I’m supporting legislation aimed at providing support to senior citizens. These bills are designed to address the financial challenges that many seniors face, particularly concerning property taxes and healthcare.
Our seniors have spent their lives building our communities. Now, it’s our turn to ensure they can live with the dignity, respect, and support they deserve. I support these bills because they provide tangible, impactful relief so the seniors in our community can enjoy their golden years without the undue burden of financial stress.
HB 1074 increases the maximum income limitation for the senior freeze to $73,700 for the 2024 taxable year. HB 1274 standardizes the senior citizens homestead exemption to $8,000 across all counties and raises the maximum income limitation for the senior citizens assessment freeze to $75,000. HB 1219 allows seniors to deduct Medicare premiums from their annual household income to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption.
HB 2188 shifts the responsibilities of investigating Medicaid fraud from the Illinois State Police to the Office of the Attorney General, ensuring a more streamlined process. HB 4178 enables legally responsible family caregivers to be reimbursed for providing personal care or home health aide services, recognizing the vital role they play in caring for medically fragile relatives.
I’m proud to co-sponsor all these bills as I wholeheartedly support and celebrate the seniors that have made our communities what they are.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Extended
Legislation I’ve co-sponsored has passed both chambers unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk. The bill, HB 4471 amends the Energy Assistance Act and removes the sunset on the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which was previously set for January 1, 2025.
The Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund is responsible for providing payments to electric or gas utility companies, municipal utilities or to pay for necessary home weatherization services on behalf of those enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a program to assist eligible households with utility bills during the winter and summer months. Households with a total income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line were eligible to apply for LIHEAP benefits to cover those costs.
While this program was expanded during the pandemic, the issue it seeks to solve goes beyond. I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that helps Illinoisans in a time of need and provides some stability for Illinois families, as energy costs continue to soar.
Over 311,000 households were helped by the LIHEAP funding that was available from September of 2022 through May of 2023. Currently, applications are open until August 2024 for existing LIHEAP recipients.
Families are struggling with high inflation and soaring energy prices. Extending this program offers protection for Illinoisans making difficult decisions to pay for energy costs. I will continue to fight for protections to support struggling Illinois families.
Mobile Office Hours
I will be holding Mobile Office Hours next week on June 26th in Dupo and June 27th in Millstadt. These are great opportunities to meet with me in person to discuss your needs and concerns. I hope to see you there. Full information below:
Wednesday, June 26th
Dupo Village Hall
107 N. 2nd Street
Dupo
10am-12pm
Thursday, June 27th
Schmidt Chiropractic
225 E. Washington St.
Millstadt
10am-12pm
To make an appointment, please contact my district office at 618-215-1050.
Thanks again for reading, and I’ll be back soon with more updates!