Burke Backs Legislation to Provide Relief to Illinois Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working-class families would be able to keep more of their hard-earned money under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, doubling the value of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Burke-backed bill is a key element of an economic reform agenda introduced by House Democrats.

“It’s vital we do more to help hardworking families keep more of their own money,” Burke said. “Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit will also provide a tremendous boost to local businesses and help create jobs.”

Burke is sponsoring House Bill 2475, which would double the value of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit over the course of five years, raising the value of the credit by 2 percent every year. Each 2 percent increase would put an estimated $44 million back in working families’ pockets. Additionally, the U.S. Conference of Mayors indicates that every $1 returned to taxpayers through the Earned Income Tax Credit generates between $1.50 and $2 in economic activity, helping local businesses grow.

The measure is a key element of an economic reform agenda recently introduced by House Democrats this year. Burke and her colleagues are pushing for reforms that grow the economy while also strengthening Illinois families. Rather than padding the profits of corporations by reducing wages and slashing the rights of Illinois’ workers, Burke and the House Democrats are working to level the playing field for small and medium-sized employers, raise the minimum wage, invest in education at all levels and outlaw taxpayer-funded incentives for businesses that outsource local jobs.

“I am disappointed in Governor Rauner’s proposed budget that slashes critical funding for social services and higher education, while allowing corporations to continue to use loopholes to avoid paying taxes,” Burke said. “The only way we will create a stronger and more prosperous Illinois is by investing in education, expanding tax credits for small businesses, and lowering the tax burden on families who need it most.”