Blair-Sherlock Backs Energy Savings, Senior Property Tax Freeze, Transit Reform, Commonsense Immigration Raid Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Focused on addressing issues facing families, state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, supported a veto session agenda this week that will lower electric bills, expand the senior property tax freeze, transform public transit and implement safeguards related to immigration raids.

“Residents shouldn’t have to worry if their energy bills are going to be too high or if they can afford their home or if federal immigration theatrics are going to escalate at their hospital,” Blair-Sherlock said. “Our focus this veto session was to make lives better for people, and while much work remains, these proposals are steps forward that can make a positive difference for families.”

Blair-Sherlock supported a comprehensive energy package that aims to lower home electric bills both immediately and over the long term. Dubbed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, the measure is expected to create thousands of jobs and further strengthen the state’s electric grid to meet the power demands of today and tomorrow.

She also voted for an expansion of the senior property tax freeze to address inflation and ensure more seniors qualify for relief. The maximum income limitation would rise from $65,000 to $75,000 in tax year 2026, and continue to gradually increase to $79,000 in tax year 2028.

After years of inefficiency at local transit agencies, Blair-Sherlock backed a transformative public transportation reform plan that will create a new overarching Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA) tasked with improving the rider experience. Additional reforms aim to strengthen service, improve rider safety, eliminate bureaucracy and crack down on financial issues with new independent auditors and reserve fund requirements.

With federal officials continuing to stoke unnecessary fear in communities with violent raids, Blair- Sherlock backed a commonsense, human-centered proposal implementing safeguards at hospitals, daycares, courthouses and higher education locations.

“This is a challenging time for many, and it’s important that the General Assembly steps up and takes action to reflect our values as Illinoisans,” Blair-Sherlock said. “I’m going to continue fighting for our families.”

For more information, please contact StateRep46@gmail.com.