Halpin Pushes for Tax Option to Support 100 Club of Illinois, Families of Fallen First Responders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is pushing for a measure to support the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty, legislation which just passed the House.

“Families of first responders who have lost their lives bear a huge burden on behalf of the people of Illinois which I cannot imagine, and the least we can give them is financial stability as they process the sacrifice their loved ones were forced to make,” Halpin said. “The 100 Club of Illinois is an organization committed to providing necessary assistance, and the measure we just passed creates an easy way for the people of Illinois to lend a hand with that effort.”

Halpin co-sponsored House Bill 4161, which creates an option for Illinoisans to donate money to the 100 Club of Illinois by checking a box on their income tax returns. The 100 Club will use these donations to provide for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Similar options exist for other causes, such as homeless assistance and Alzheimer’s research. This legislation passed the state House with strong bipartisan support, and the state Senate will now consider it.

“I am absolutely committed to giving our first responders the support they need,” Halpin said. “Hopefully, they will be more comfortable and effective at performing their duties with the knowledge that, if the worst should happen on the job, their families will have the financial stability they deserve.”