Carbondale Reporter

A group of Illinois House Republican lawmakers have introduced a set of bills aimed at providing financial relief to working families in the state. The legislative package, called Relief for Working Families, seeks to address rising costs for essentials such as groceries and utilities by encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting tipped employees, and expanding technical skill-building opportunities.

Rep. Brad Stephens is sponsoring House Bill 1752, which would create an income tax deduction for employers who offer educational assistance to their workers. "Too often the people in the Capitol focus on the wrong solutions: overregulation, tax increases and overspending will not fix our state. We can’t cut our way out of these budget issues. We must grow our economy," said Stephens. "With this bill package, we can provide tangible financial relief for hardworking, taxpaying Illinoisans and begin to reshape our state into a destination not only for families, but for students, small businesses, and licensed professionals."

To support new business creation, Rep. Kyle Moore filed House Bill 1351—the Reducing Barriers to Start Act—which proposes eliminating many first-year fees related to licensing or registration for new businesses.

Education is another major focus of the legislative package. Rep. Mike Coffey’s House Bill 1729—the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act—would provide tax credits for contributions to scholarship funds that help students attend technical academies. Coffey said his proposal came from conversations with local businesses during his district tour: "This bill has really come about from conversations I have had during my ‘Mike on Main Street’ tour across the district meeting with different businesses. One common theme has come up every time: we don’t have enough workforce, we need more help," Coffey said. "They say ‘We don’t have the technical support to fill these positions.’ So the hope is these scholarships will help train individuals to get into the workforce. We need more plumbers, we need more pipefitters, we need more electricians so that we can grow and build Illinois, and that’s the point of this."

Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s HB 3807 would establish the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) grant program to assist students pursuing degrees or certifications in trades such as electrical work or construction. Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain filed HB 3821 to double the current education expense income tax credit from $750 to $1500 per year.

"Many students decide to attend a technical school after graduating high school and this bill promotes the skilled trade industry and helps eligible students receive scholarship funds to pursue a degree or certificate from a qualified technical school in Illinois," Schmidt said. "It’s important every student has the opportunity to excel in a career after graduating high school, and this bill is aimed to do just that."

Manufacturing companies in Illinois have reported difficulties finding trained workers due in part to a shortage of licensed educators in skilled trades fields. Rep. Jed Davis’ HB 1112 would allow experienced trade workers without bachelor’s degrees to become educators.

Another measure sponsored by Spain—House Bill 1383—would let tipped workers deduct gratuities included on federal returns from their taxable income on state returns.

Despite championing these proposals throughout the spring session, House Republicans saw them blocked by Democrats but plan renewed efforts when lawmakers reconvene in October.

"This package is called Relief for Working families because that’s what it will provide," Moore said. "From furthering your education to starting a new business or simply keeping more of your hard-earned money in your own pocket. Working families need and deserve a break. Together these measures provide a great start to supporting working families and helping set them up for success."

Severin, a Republican elected in 2023 representing Illinois' 116th District, was not mentioned as sponsoring any specific legislation within this package but continues serving his constituents following his election after David Friess.