Manley Backs Bills to Cut Costs, Uplift Seniors on Fixed Income

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As more and more Illinoisans face rising energy costs and strapped budgets, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, supported a series of bills during the last week of fall session aimed to alleviate egregious utility bill costs and expand a property tax relief program for older adults on fixed incomes.

“The uncertainty coming out of Washington is having a direct impact on our residents here in Illinois. While the current administration attempts to get it together, our progress here must continue. This means ensuring our residents can afford basic necessities like their utility bills,” said Manley.

Manley voted to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Senate Bill 25), a pro- climate measure expected to lower home electric bills across Illinois. The measure invests in clean energy to maximize short and long term savings, along with creating thousands of new construction jobs and building out the state’s power grid to reduce overall demand.

“Without passing Senate Bill 25, Illinois would be unable to keep up with demand, and would experience price increases as a result,” Manley said.

Not passing the measure could result in increased energy costs of $915 billion by 2034, according to the Illinois Power Agency.

Additionally, Manley supported Senate Bill 642, upping the income thresholds for the senior citizens’ property tax freeze and property tax deferral—allowing seniors on fixed incomes a chance to stay in their homes without losing them to sudden and unexpected tax increases.

The maximum income limitation would rise from $65,000 to $75,000 in tax year 2026, and gradually increase to $79,000 in tax year 2028. With the federal shutdown threatening benefits ending as of Nov. 1, and Social Security income increasing approximately 2.8% in February, thousands of seniors across Illinois are in danger of defaulting on their property taxes without access to these two programs.

“I’m proud we took the critical steps this session to provide relief for families where it’s needed most as we continue to face threats to our food assistance, health care and more,” said Manley. “No senior living on fixed income should be displaced solely because of inflation and no family should have to grapple with choosing groceries over keeping the lights on— both are basic needs and affect our health and safety.”