Walker Highlights Fiscally-Responsible State Budget, Efforts to Help Working Families

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Underscoring the need for Illinois to stay on a fiscally-responsible track, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, backed a budget package that will deliver relief to Illinois families, helping them with property taxes and daily costs at grocery stores and the pump.

“On top of the pressures of the pandemic, a lot of residents are being hurt by inflation,” Walker said. “I’m glad to see that our budget plan accounts for these challenges, and will help families this year with some of their day-to-day expenses.”

Included in the Walker-supported plan, families will receive relief through:

• Direct checks to working families – at $50 per individual and $100 per child (up to three children per family);
• Suspension of the tax on groceries for one year;
• A six month freeze of motor fuel taxes;
• Doubling of property tax rebates (up to $300 per household); and
• A permanent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Walker-supported budget package also builds on efforts that have eliminated the state’s bill backlog and raised credit ratings. It helps to pay down pension and other debt early, saving taxpayers millions, while also directing $1 billion toward a rainy day fund that was virtually nonexistent.

“Illinois has finally turned the corner with good fiscal stewardship,” Walker said. “We’ve put ourselves in a position to better address challenges that may arise in the future, giving us greater flexibility to deliver on issues families are facing, and ensuring we’re able to properly invest in education, economic development and public safety. This budget is a good step forward.”