Benton Unveils 2024 Agenda Focused on Working Families

PLAINFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, introduced an agenda prioritizing tax relief, workers’ rights, affordable childcare, and other needs of middle-class families and seniors for the 2024 legislative session.

“Working families are the core of communities across the state, and they need to know that they can live, work and retire with confidence and dignity,” Benton said. “They need to know they can raise their kids and pass values and traditions on to them, along with a bright future.”

Benton has introduced three bills—and is sponsoring another—aimed at benefiting working families, their kids, as well as older adults:

• House Bill 4088 would make tax deductible the full amount of union dues paid by a taxpayer as long as they are not covered by a federal tax deduction. Where there is a federal deduction, taxpayers could still get a state deduction on any portion of their dues not covered.
• House Bill 4202 would expand eligibility among older adults for property tax assessment freezes, by raising the maximum income limitation from $65,000 to $85,000.
• House Bill 4432 would extend eligibility for childcare assistance to families making 400% or less of the federal poverty level for their family size, beginning in July 2024.
• House Bill 3950, for which Benton is a chief co-sponsor, would create a state tax credit of up to $700 for each of a taxpayer’s qualified dependents.

“Taking care of the families and communities that form the bedrock of our state is an important responsibility,” Benton said. “That’s why we’re making policies that aim to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans. When we focus on rewarding hard work and helping families do more of what matters, that’s how we move Illinois forward.”