Carbondale Reporter

Illinois’ decision to eliminate cash bail has drawn national attention following an executive order signed by President Trump on August 25. The order directs federal agencies to consider blocking funding to states that have ended cash bail, citing concerns over public safety.

Illinois became the first state to remove cash bail in 2023 through the SAFE-T Act. Critics argue that this law allows repeat and violent offenders to be released, which they say impacts community safety. State Senator Terri Bryant stated, "Illinois families deserve a justice system that prioritizes victims and law enforcement over criminals, not reckless policies that put ideology ahead of safety and reward criminals." She called for Democrat leaders to repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore accountability.

As students return to school, Illinois families and educators can benefit from tax credits designed to ease education costs. The K-12 Education Expense Credit offers up to $750 per household for eligible expenses above $250, such as tuition and lab fees. Nearly 200,000 families used this credit last year, saving an average of $324. Home-school families may also qualify for certain curriculum-related expenses.

Educators can claim the Instructional Materials and Supplies Credit if they work full-time in K-12 schools for at least 900 hours in a school year. This credit provides up to $500 per educator or up to $1,000 for married couples filing jointly who are both educators. In 2024, more than 81,000 Illinois educators used this credit, saving over $35 million collectively. Senator Bryant said these credits help reduce financial burdens at the start of the school year and encouraged families and teachers to keep receipts for filing.

For further details on these programs, information is available at tax.illinois.gov and in IDOR Publication 112.

Ameren Illinois has introduced a new program offering a one-time $150 grant toward electricity bills for income-qualified households facing higher energy costs due to increased demand and summer heat. The initiative allocates $4 million for assistance. Eligible customers should contact their local LIHEAP agency via HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by calling 833-711-0374 while funds remain available.

LIHEAP will reopen applications on October 1 with direct bill support and other benefits like waived deposits or late fees. Ameren continues promoting energy efficiency programs that may include home assessments or upgrades such as insulation improvements; more information is available at AmerenIllinois.com/PathtoSavings.

A new law now supports veterinary care for retired police dogs in Illinois through the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program established by House Bill 3140. Handlers or adoptive families can receive up to $1,500 annually for veterinary expenses if the dog served five years (or three years if injured). Funding comes from sales of Illinois’ K-9 Memorial License Plate; the program will begin only if at least 2,000 plates are requested by January 2028.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism reported record tourism numbers in 2024: Illinois hosted 113 million visitors who spent $48.5 billion—an increase from previous years—and generated $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue while supporting over 280,000 jobs in tourism and hospitality sectors.

Senator Bryant said tourism remains vital for economic recovery after pandemic-related business shutdowns: "Tourism is a vital part of our state’s economic success, contributing valuable revenue to local economies." She added that recent gains provide relief for those still recovering from earlier closures.

Bryant was elected as a Republican representative of Illinois' 58th Senate District in 2021 after Paul Schimpf.

https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2976