CALUMET CITY, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, worked to move Illinois forward and build a stronger middle class during the spring legislative session, passing legislation to make taxes fairer, make the economy stronger and make health care more affordable. Jones also chaired the House Insurance Committee this year, dedicating his work to lower health care costs for middle-class Illinoisans.

“Building a stronger middle class and a stronger Illinois has been my top goal as a legislator,” said Jones. “I am happy to report that I have supported numerous initiatives that will make health care more affordable, raise wages for families and provide tax relief for a majority of my taxpayers in my area.”

During this year’s spring session, Jones fought for proposals that build a stronger middle class and Illinois. Early on, Jones supported Senate Bill 1, which over the next few years sets the minimum wage to $15 an hour, helping local families keep more of their money and invest in their community. Jones also supported measures that will create a high-wage economy for job seekers with both House Bills 2093 and 1594, which offer tax credits for employers who hire people and vocational job-trainings.

Jones also supported the Fair Tax plan that would cut taxes on 99.8% of local taxpayers. The wealthiest would be required to pay more, generating more than $3 billion in new revenue every year to stabilize state finances, and fund schools, health care and other essential services for local families. The Fair Tax would also help families save more money on their property taxes and offers middle-class families new child tax credits.

“It is extremely unfair that families in my area pay more in taxes than the wealthiest in Illinois,” said Jones. “The Fair Tax amendment is the right thing to do to begin offering people tax relief, which will also help strengthen the middle class.”

Jones supported House Bill 471, which tasks the Department of Insurance to conduct rate-reviews on big insurance companies and block double-digit premium increase. This measure will keep a necessary check on insurance companies from over-charging their consumers on plans that are supposed to protect from a medical emergency. Another measure Jones championed was Senate Bill 2026. While the Trump administration is offering states waivers which would strip protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, this would prevent Illinois from entering into such agreements that deny people care.

“I have fought to protect is people’s access to affordable health care,” said Jones. “Donald Trump and his allies are fighting every day to strip away health care protections for the most vulnerable, but I supported vital legislation to prevent that from happening in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – During his first full legislative session, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, proudly advocated for hard-working Illinois Valley families by working for a responsible budget, invest in a growing economy, and ensure workers’ rights are protected to help move Illinois in the right direction.

“I am proud to support a budget with no bureaucratic gimmicks that help provides vital services to seniors, properly funding education, and helping to pay back our state’s debt,” said Yednock. “I also supported a proposal to help reduce the tax burden on middle-class families under our unfair tax system. This measure would help provide tax relief for more than 99 percent of Illinois Valley families, while allowing us to prioritize resources for critical services and education.”

As a strong supporter of working men and women, Yednock also sponsored Senate Bill 1474, which protects the rights of workers to unionize and collectively bargain for higher wages, more compressive benefits, and safer working conditions. Under the new law, local governments cannot create so-called, “right-to-work” zones, which allows businesses to ignore workers’ rights. Yednock believes that stronger unions in Illinois mean a stronger middle-class.

As an avid hunter and sportsman, Yednock advanced Senate Bill 1139, aimed at reducing unnecessary regulations regarding firearms and supporting Second Amendment rights. The legislation eased restrictions placed on members of law enforcement and would allow active military members under 21 to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card, currently only available to minors with parental permission.

“If you can fight for our country overseas, then I trust that our military members can responsibly handle a weapon here at home,” said Yednock. “Our members of law enforcement already undergo extensive training on firearms and are trusted with our public safety. To ask them to go through another round to own a gun or have a concealed carry license just adds more unnecessary government red tape.”

Yednock also supported measures that would help protect those with pre-existing conditions, including ensuring that insurance companies cover critical health monitors and screenings. Yednock supported Senate Bill 2026, which protects health care for millions of Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions. To lower skyrocketing medical costs burdening working families, Yednock supported legislation, House Bill 471, to stop double-digit premiums and a measure, House Bill 156, to cut the cost of prescription drugs. 

 “While Washington politicians continue to try and mess with our health care, I backed legislation this legislative session protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions and forces insurance companies to be held accountable,” said Yednock. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help pass legislation to help build a stronger Illinois by building a stronger middle class. There is still more to do to support middle class families in Illinois, and I will continue to work with local leaders and my colleagues to shape the best policy for our communities and families.”