Scherer Supports State Tax Credit for Union Dues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to D.C. career politicians taking away federal tax credits for hard working union members who have used that money for their families, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, sponsored legislation that will create a state tax credit for any Illinois residents who pay union dues.

”It is important that we have a tax system that helps working families, and this measure is a way to accomplish that,” said Scherer.  “By helping the working people who make up union membership, we are strengthening the middle-class.”

The Scherer backed legislation, House Bill 5521, would create a state income tax deduction on union dues if a federal deduction does not exist. Under this legislation, every individual in Illinois that pays union dues would be eligible to deduct from their state taxes the amount of money they paid in dues. If the President and Congress ever decide to fully or even partially restore federal tax credits for union dues, then this bill will adjust the state deduction to the federal one, so that people can completely write off their dues.

“At the end of the day, the only way we’re going to help our state’s economy is to strengthen the middle-class,” said Scherer.  “This legislation is going to help people in Central Illinois keep more money in their pockets to put food on their tables and support their families.”

Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.