Illinois Families and Educators Can Claim Back-to-School Tax Savings
As students return to classrooms across the state, Illinois families and educators have access to valuable tax credits to help offset the cost of education. These programs are designed to provide relief for both parents covering school expenses and teachers who often spend their own money on supplies.
Parents and guardians may qualify for the K-12 Education Expense Credit, which provides up to $750 per household. Families can claim 25 percent of eligible expenses above $250, including costs such as tuition, book rentals, and lab fees paid directly to a school. Home-school families may also qualify for certain expenses tied to an approved curriculum. Last year alone, nearly 200,000 families took advantage of this credit, saving an average of $324.
Educators may be eligible for the Instructional Materials and Supplies Credit, which helps reimburse the out-of-pocket costs of classroom needs. Full-time K-12 teachers, aides, counselors, and principals working at least 900 hours in the school year can claim up to $500 in credits. Married couples who are both educators and file jointly may receive up to $1,000. More than 81,000 Illinois educators used this credit in 2024, collectively saving over $35 million.
I think these tax credits are a practical way to help ease the financial burden of a new school year and encourage families and teachers to keep their receipts and file for the relief they deserve.
For more information, visit tax.illinois.gov and see IDOR Publication 112.
Ameren Illinois Offering $150 Energy Bill Assistance for Eligible Customers
With energy costs climbing during the summer months, Ameren Illinois has launched a new program to provide relief for income-qualified households. The initiative sets aside $4 million to help families struggling with higher electric bills caused by increased demand, rising supply costs, and extreme summer heat.
Through this program, eligible customers can receive a one-time $150 grant toward their electricity bill. While this program is separate from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), families who may qualify are encouraged to contact their local Low-Income LIHEAP agency to determine eligibility and apply for assistance, as they have been tasked with distributing the funds. To find your local agency, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call 833-711-0374. Funding will be distributed while resources remain available.
In addition to this new program, customers can explore other forms of assistance. LIHEAP will reopen for applications on October 1, offering direct bill support and additional benefits such as waived deposits and late fees. Ameren also continues to promote its energy efficiency programs, including in-home energy assessments and potential upgrades like insulation or improved heating and ventilation systems that can lower long-term costs. For a list of those programs and resources, please visit AmerenIllinois.com/PathtoSavings.
In response to these rising energy costs, I am co-sponsoring legislation to help stabilize our grid and protect people from further cost spikes. These bills are about taking real, practical steps to fix a system that’s been badly mishandled.
Here’s what I’m working on:
- Senate Bill 1234: Establishes a task force to examine the impact of state energy policies on both affordability and reliability.
- Senate Bill 1235: Lifts harmful restrictions on dependable fossil fuel plants and allows for the construction of new peaker plants to help meet demand.
- Senate Bill 1236: Cuts through permitting red tape that has delayed critical energy projects, like the Lincoln Land Energy Center.
Illinois families deserve affordable, reliable energy. That starts with baseload power — not one-sided mandates and unrealistic promises.
Legislative Assistant Job Opportunity
Senator Chris Balkema is looking for a highly motivated leader to serve as a Legislative Assistant! If you’re passionate about serving the people of Illinois and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your cover letter and resume to Mary Lou Frank at mfrank@sgop.ilga.gov.
You can reply to this email if you have any questions about this opportunity.
