Kifowit Backs Plans to Reduce Energy Costs, Expand Senior Property Tax Freeze, Reform Transit; Leads Alopecia Resolution

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to uplift local families, this week state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D- Oswego, backed an energy plan to reduce home energy costs, expanded the senior property tax freeze, supported transit reform and recognized individuals impacted by scarring alopecia.

“We took needed action this veto session to address rising home energy prices,” Kifowit said. “This plan helps to modernize our grid to make it more efficient and effective, helping us to meet future demands while alleviating rising prices on consumers.”

Senate Bill 25, also known as the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, is expected to help lower home electric bills now and over the long term. The measure is 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.

Further building on her efforts to lower property taxes for homeowners, Kifowit also supported an expansion of the senior property tax freeze to address inflation and ensure more seniors qualify for relief. Under Senate Bill 642, 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.

Transit was another focus for Kifowit. She supported a transformative public transit reform plan that will improve the rider experience, improve safety, cut bureaucratic waste and create a new overarching Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA). To curb future financial issues with transit agencies, the proposal requires new independent auditors and reserve funds.

Kifowit this week also led House passage of Senate Joint Resolution 36, which declares September 2025 as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois. The measure aims to increase awareness of scarring alopecia, supports affected individuals and encourages further research into effective treatments and a potential cure.

“Low public awareness about scarring alopecia can result in delayed diagnosis, limited access to care and less understanding about the experiences of those living with it,” Kifowit said. “In Illinois, we’re proud to support those impacted, and are hopeful we can find a cure.”

For more information, please contact Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.