Hello! I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
Topics below include:
- Upcoming Property Tax Seminar
- Relief Package Targets Rising Costs for Illinois Families
- The Rising Tide
- What’s Really Happening with Illinois’ Population?
- Gun Owners Gather at Capitol for Annual IGOLD Event
- I-COVER Program Reopens to Provide Incentives for Sustainable Farming Practices
Upcoming Property Tax Seminar
Join me for an informative Property Tax Seminar on Monday, May 4 from 7:00–8:00 p.m. at Roanoke United Methodist Church.
He will be joined by Woodford County Supervisor of Assessments Janet Gibbs to help break down everything you need to know about your property taxes. Whether you’re looking to better understand exemptions, learn how to file an appeal, or get answers to your specific questions, this seminar is for you.
Attendees will:
• Learn about available tax exemptions
• Understand the assessment appeal process
• Have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A
If you have questions about your property, feel free to bring a copy of your tax bill and most recent assessment.
We hope to see you there!
Relief Package Targets Rising Costs for Illinois Families
Illinois families are facing rising costs at every stage of life, from childcare and preschool to everyday essentials like diapers and prescription medications.
These are not optional expenses. For many families, they are necessary costs that continue to increase, making it harder to stay in the workforce and make ends meet.
On Tax Day, we highlighted these challenges and introduced a legislative package aimed at providing relief. The proposals focus on reducing costs, expanding access to childcare and early education, and supporting the workforce that makes those services possible.
The package includes Senate Bill 1647, which creates a tax credit of up to $1,500 per child to help families afford preschool. Senate Bill 1646 would provide a refundable tax credit for early childhood educators to improve retention in a field that is critical to maintaining access to care.
Additional legislation, Senate Bills 3851 and 3869, would eliminate state sales taxes on prescription medications and diapers, helping families and seniors better afford basic necessities.
The package also includes Senate Bill 2277, which increases incentives for businesses to provide on-site childcare, and Senate Bill 2382, which creates a tax credit for donating property for childcare use.
These efforts are focused on addressing the real financial pressures families face every day and making Illinois a more affordable place to live and work.
The Rising Tide
A solution to high Illinois taxes – Grow the economy, add jobs and make Illinois competitive.
Click here to watch the full video.
What’s Really Happening with Illinois’ Population?
Recently, the Governor’s office has repeatedly claimed that Illinois’ population is growing, including at a civic event roundtable just this week. The full picture, however, is more complicated. While the state has seen a slight overall increase, that growth is driven entirely by international migration. At the same time, Illinois continues to lose residents to other states at a concerning rate. Being honest about these trends matters, because it helps us focus on the real challenges which includes keeping families here, attracting new residents, and building a stronger future for our communities.
Gun Owners Gather at Capitol for Annual IGOLD Event
Last week, Illinoisans traveled to Springfield to participate in Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD), advocating for the constitutional rights protected under the Second Amendment. Organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), IGOLD continues to be one of the largest annual Second Amendment events in the state.
Participants from across Illinois began the day with a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center before marching to the State Capitol. Throughout the day, attendees heard from speakers, connected with fellow advocates, and met with lawmakers to discuss legislation impacting gun owners.
IGOLD provides an opportunity for residents to engage directly in the legislative process and share their perspectives on Second Amendment issues. Events like IGOLD highlight the importance of civic participation and open dialogue between constituents and elected officials.
I-COVER Program Reopens to Provide Incentives for Sustainable Farming Practices
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has relaunched the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) program, which offers financial incentives to farmers adopting new or earlier cover crop techniques for 2026–2028.
I-COVER is a three-year initiative funded by a $7 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote the use of cover crops and improve soil health.
Applications for the program opened April 15. IDOA will select applications on a first-come, first-served basis per county, with the first application per county being prioritized, pending qualification and verification.
I believe that Illinois farmers are at the forefront of innovation, and the I-COVER program helps ensure they have the tools and resources needed to implement practices that benefit both their operations and the environment.
Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the I-COVER program link on the home page. Interested participants can also contact IDOA by email at agr.icover@Illinois.gov or by phone at (217) 782-6297.
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Have a great rest of your week! If you ever need anything, please reach out to my office! We are happy to help! See locations and contacts below.
Yours truly,