Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, we adjourned veto session in which we addressed pivotal issues affecting Illinoisans. Below, please find a quick summary of key legislation we voted on:
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund - The unemployment trust was forced to borrow $4.5 billion in federal funds to provide economic relief to an unprecedented number of unemployed workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, I co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to get us back into fiscal stability by contributing 1.8 billion dollars to pay our debt. This payment is the third significant contribution to the outstanding loan balance. $2.7 billion was contributed in March, and $450 million in September from the unemployment fund itself due to ongoing historically low unemployment claims.
This agreement will save taxpayers an estimated $20 million in interest costs and preserves hundreds of millions of dollars in future federal tax credits for Illinois Employers. The payment will strengthen the state’s trust fund, alleviate a burden looming over businesses, and ensure that there are no reductions in both the standard number of weeks of unemployment benefits and the amount a person can claim.
SAFE-T and Pre-Trial Fairness Acts - In collaboration with law enforcement, states attorneys, criminal justice reform advocates and other stakeholders, I co-sponsored a bill which helped advance legislation that clarifies portions of the historic SAFE-T and Pretrial Fairness Acts. House Bill 1095 provides clarification to the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. The legislation makes clear that judges can issue warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items.
The measure also adds non-probational felonies, forcible felonies, hate crimes, attempts of crimes that are otherwise detainable, and others to the list of crimes that qualify someone for detention. This was done with the goal of ensuring that those who pose a risk to the community should be detained while those who simply lack economic resources and do not pose a threat should not.
Student Loan Forgiveness Income and other Tax Exemptions - As part of our plan to fight for working families, I co-sponsored HB5189. This bill makes sure that the Illinois income taxpayers that are exempt from student loan forgiveness or are getting student loan forgiveness are exempt in case the federal government does not exempt those federal income taxes for that loan forgiveness.
This bill also allows people with disabilities to be exempt for Illinois income taxes for up to $10,000 in contributions to Achieving a Better Life Experience savings accounts.
Finally, this bill also strengthens the Reimagine Electric Vehicles Act which supports the entire electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. A green sustainable future is and will be possible in the state of Illinois.
I will be back in Springfield early January for lame duck session, the last session of the 102nd General Assembly. We will begin the 103rd Session on January 11th, 2023 when we welcome new members. As I reflect on the culmination of my first term as your State Representative, I am honored and humbled to be your voice in Springfield. I am looking forward to continuing to be your public servant and I thank you for your support.
As always I want to hear your thoughts and opinions on legislation that is introduced or legislation you would like to see passed in Illinois. You can contact my office to let your voice be heard by emailing info@repdagmara.org or calling/texting 815-372-0085.
Happy Holidays,