Yingling Highlights Work on Fiscally Responsible Budget, Cutting Taxes, and Supporting Students as Session Adjourns

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, supported a number of pieces of legislation that will provide immediate relief to residents and set the stage for a strong post-pandemic recovery.

“Now more than ever, residents are counting on relief from state government,” said Yingling. “This session, my priority was to position our state to make a strong economic recovery while ensuring that those who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic get the relief they need.”

Yingling helped pass a budget that puts an emphasis on funding vital programs that will provide relief to the individuals and communities most heavily impacted by the pandemic. In order to put Illinois on track for financial sustainability, the budget also prioritized paying off debt and obligations without placing additional tax burdens on residents.

“As we begin to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked together with new leadership to pass a responsible budget that protects funding for critical services that help those who need it most while cutting back on unnecessary spending,” said Yingling. “My constituents sent me to Springfield to make sure that state government is working in their best interest and getting them the resources they need, and this budget is in line with that goal.”

Throughout this session, Yingling worked to cut the tax bill of his constituents. He introduced legislation that would increase the amount of savings taxpayers would receive under the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. He also backed legislation allowing businesses to circumnavigate the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, ensuring businesses wouldn’t be double-taxed.

“After a difficult year financially for individuals and businesses, one of my top priorities was identifying ways to help residents save on their tax bills,” said Yingling. “High taxes, and especially high property taxes, place a massive burden on the middle-class, and I will continue working in Springfield to get residents the relief they deserve.”

Yingling also supported a variety of pieces of legislation aiding students. He supported legislation that would ban the use of unsafe and inhumane “quiet rooms,” which are used to lock students, many of whom have special needs, in a room alone for up to hours at a time. Yingling also supported legislation giving college students more information on the federal loan options available to them to prevent them from taking out unnecessary private loans.

“When it comes to our students, we must do everything we can to ensure that they have access to education, as well as a safe learning environment,” said Yingling. “Over the past few months, we have made major progress on a variety of issues, but there is still work that needs to be done. One of the most important ways for me to be a voice for my constituents in Springfield is to hear directly from them. I will be using the upcoming months to meet with and speak to as many residents as possible to hear their thoughts and opinions on what issues are important to them and how I can best advocate for them in Springfield.”