DeLaRosa Backs Senior Property Tax Freeze Expansion, Lower Energy Bills, Transit Reform, Responsible Immigration Raid Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Underscoring her focus to address challenges facing families, state Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa, D-Glen Ellyn, backed a series of measures this week that will expand the senior property tax freeze, reduce home energy costs, improve public transit and implement responsible immigration protections.

“Residents are frustrated by rising costs and unnecessary chaos in their community,” DeLaRosa said. “They expect Springfield to take action, and these proposals are strong steps forward we can build on.”

Concerned about costs on homeowners and the effects of inflation, DeLaRosa backed an expansion of the senior property tax freeze to make sure more seniors qualify for relief. The plan raises the maximum income limitation from $65,000 to $75,000 in tax year 2026, and gradually increases to $79,000 in tax year 2028.

The energy plan DeLaRosa supported, known as the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, is expected to lower home electric bills now and over the long term. The proposal is also projected to create thousands of new construction and operational jobs, and strengthen the state’s electric grid by investing in modern battery storage and strategies that promote energy efficiency.

To improve rider experiences and cut bureaucratic waste, DeLaRosa supported a transformative public transit reform plan that will create the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA). The proposal aims to avoid financial issues with local transit agencies by requiring new independent auditors and reserve fund requirements. Safety is also at the forefront of reforms, with a multijurisdictional law enforcement team that will step up enforcement right away and ambassadors to assist those experiencing a mental health crisis.

As federal immigration raids continue to escalate and stoke fear in communities, DeLaRosa supported a human-centered plan that implements protections at hospitals, daycares, courthouses and higher
education locations.

“This veto session’s priorities are intended to reduce worries and make people’s lives easier,” DeLaRosa said. “There’s a lot of work still ahead of us, but I’m excited to hit the ground running and am looking forward to further action in Springfield in the coming months.”

For more information, please contact bdepasqua@hds.ilga.gov.