Vella Highlights Tax Relief for Families in Passed Budget Plan

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of efforts to support families recovering from the pandemic and dealing with rising inflation, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, backed a state budget plan that provides direct relief to residents, suspends the grocery tax and freezes the gas tax.

“We know that many families are struggling to keep up with paying bills, that’s why we needed to deliver real relief that helps them now,” Vella said. “The responsible budget package I supported returns money to taxpayers and will help with property taxes and other daily expenses.”

Under the Vella-supported plan, families will see relief through:

• Suspension of the tax on groceries for one year;
• A six month freeze of motor fuel taxes;
• Doubling of property tax rebates (up to $300 per household);
• Direct checks to working families – at $50 per individual and $100 per child (up to three children per family); and
• A permanent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

In addition to relief for families, the budget package Vella supported included increased funding for public safety, more money for schools and support for critical housing and health care services.

“Residents in our community have been hurt economically by things outside of their control,” Vella said. “This relief understands that pain and reflects responsible management of our state finances. More work remains, and we must continue to be good stewards with our budget moving forward to address the challenges families face.”