Hoffman Highlights Economic Relief for Families in Passed Budget Package

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting passage of a responsible state budget that invests in critical services, improves the state’s financial outlook and provides needed relief to families – including direct checks to residents and suspension of grocery taxes.

“We understood when putting together this budget plan, that families were dealing with higher expenses on daily needs – at no fault of their own,” Hoffman said. “For many families, every little bit helps. The relief I supported will help with property taxes, grocery costs and what residents pay at the pump.”

Under the Hoffman-supported plan, families will see relief through:

• Direct checks to working families – at $50 per individual and $100 per child (up to three children per family; income limit of $200,000 per individual, $400,000 per joint filer);
• 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 Hoffman-backed budget also included increased funding for public safety, more money for schools and support for critical health and senior services. On top of efforts to pay off state debt early and save taxpayers money, the plan also directed $1 billion to a state rainy day fund that had been virtually non-existent.

“This budget underscores the steps we have taken in recent years to eliminate our state’s bill backlog, pay down debt and improve our credit rating,” Hoffman said. “By getting our fiscal house in order, we have much greater flexibility to meet new challenges as they arise – such as the need for relief this year to help families deal with inflation. We have more work to do, but I am encouraged by the responsible steps we have taken with state finances.”