Senate Republicans Launch “Illinois Insider” Podcast
The Senate Republican Caucus has launched a new podcast called “Illinois Insider.” The podcast tackles Illinois’ most pressing issues and includes casual conversations with legislators who discuss topics and recommended solutions in an easy-to-understand way.
Shortly after the Governor’s budget address, I filmed a segment with one of our caucus’ other budgeteers, Senator Sally Turner. Together, we broke down the Governor’s speech and shared our insights. Click here to watch that episode of Illinois Insider.
Legislative Package Introduced to Provide Relief to Struggling Homeowners
I am happy to report that I am co-sponsoring a package of legislative solutions to help make buying and staying in a home more affordable in Illinois.
Last year, first-time home buyers dropped to a record low of 21 percent of total purchases, while the average age of first-time buyers climbed to an all-time high of 40 years old. This is likely due to the fact that the average home price in Illinois has increased by 37% over the last five years, and homeowner insurance costs have spiked by about 25% in the last year alone. At the same time, recent Census Bureau migration estimates show that nearly 7,500 Illinoisans moved from Illinois to Missouri, where the average property tax bill is less than half of the average bill in Illinois.
To address these affordability issues, our bill package includes the following measures:
- Senate Bill 3959: provides a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
- Senate Bill 3781: makes the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable when you file your Illinois income taxes.
- Senate Bill 3782: creates a task force to work on solutions to end Illinois’ antiquated property tax foreclosure system that the United States Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional. Under current law, delinquent property taxes are sold to investors, and families can lose not only their home but the equity they spent years building.
- Senate Bill 3849: adds the annual Consumer Price Index cost increases to Illinois’ General Homestead Exemption. By tying the exemption to inflation, homeowners could see immediate relief that better reflects the increased costs they are paying.
- Senate Bill 3848: createsan income tax deduction on the year-over-year increase in a taxpayer’s home insurance.
DeWitte Events Calendar Offers Something for Everyone
While most of my time is spent in Springfield right now, my staff and I have been working hard to put together a comprehensive list of outreach events across the 33rd District. The list below includes events that are already on the books, but additional events will be added and will be shared in future newsletters. Please mark your calendar now for the following outreach events:
- April 25: Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event in Elburn
- May 12: Mobile DMV Event in St. Charles
- June 2: Property Tax Appeals Seminar in St. Charles
- June 9: IPASS Sticker Event in Lake in the Hills
- June 17: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in Carpentersville
- July 13: IPASS Sticker Event in South Elgin
- August 4: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in South Elgin
- August 19: Senior Fair in Carpentersville
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
Detailed information for each event will be available as the dates approach, and additional events will be added as they are scheduled. Please check the Events page of my website regularly to learn about events taking place near you.