CHICAGO – To help provide needed property tax relief to homeowners, state Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, D-Chicago, was appointed to serve on the Illinois Property Tax Relief Task Force on Friday.

“When I walk door to door, I often hear about the financial burden homeowners face as they struggle to afford skyrocketing property taxes,” Robinson said. “Families in our community cannot prosper if they are constantly held back by increasing property taxes. We must continue working toward a stronger Illinois, and that includes fairer taxes and direct property tax relief for hard-working homeowners.”

Robinson helped pass Senate Bill 1932 to create the Property Tax Relief Task Force, which will identify specific policy changes to provide short- and long-term property tax relief for homeowners. The task force will submit a report to the governor and General Assembly next year outlining suggested strategies and best practices to ease the burden of property taxes.

Robinson has been a consistent champion for property tax relief efforts since entering the General Assembly, and recently backed measures to expand access to exemptions for seniors and create an annual property tax rebate for homeowners. 

“Fighting for property tax relief is a key priority of mine, and serving on this task force will give me the opportunity to demand tax relief for local residents,” Robinson said. “I look forward to working on this task force to find comprehensive solutions to lower property taxes while ensuring funding for the resources families rely on, including education, libraries, parks and public safety.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, D-Chicago, is inviting local residents to attend a Clean Energy Town Hall and Resource Fair on Wednesday, July 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Gary Comer Youth Center Exhibition Hall, located at 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. in Chicago.

“Climate change is a serious and urgent issue that we must address immediately,” Robinson said. “Combatting the effects of fossil fuels should be one of our top priorities, and having a conversation about sustainable alternatives is a necessary step in that process.”

Robinson is partnering with several environmental organizations including the Illinois Environmental Council and Sierra Club to host a Clean Energy Town Hall and Resource Fair to discuss ways to reduce carbon footprints and move toward a more conscious and environmentally friendly future. Robinson has been a champion for better environmental policy since joining the General Assembly and co-sponsored several measures to promote clean and renewable energy, including House Bill 3624, also known as the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

“While President Trump and his extreme allies continue to ignore the detrimental effects of climate change, we must continue working toward a clean and sustainable future here in Illinois,” Robinson said. “Everyone can play a part in reducing our state’s carbon footprint, and I encourage all local residents to take part in this discussion and learn how to have a better impact on our environment.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign legislation to extend the Illinois Human Rights Act to further protect employees from discrimination in the workplace.

“While we have made much progress in the fight for equality, members of the LGBTQ community, especially transgender individuals and people of color, continue to experience workplace discrimination,” Robinson said. “We must continue the work we’ve started to address discrimination on all levels, and this legislation will help ensure that no employee is treated unjustly because of their gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or any other reason.”

The Robinson-backed House Bill 252 helps protect employees by extending the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibition on workplace discrimination. Currently, the act does not prohibit discrimination against sexual orientation, gender, race, religion and marital status for private employers with less than 15 employees. This legislation expands protections against these forms of discrimination by extending prohibitions to include employers with at least one employee. The measure passed both the House and Senate and will now head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“Every member of our community has a right to fair treatment at work, and furthering the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect all employees in all workplaces is a needed step on the road to equality for all,” Robinson said. “I urge Governor Pritzker to sign this legislation and further ensure protections for employees who need it the most.”

CHICAGO –State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, used this Spring session to fight for a fairer tax system, expand access to job training and child care, create economic opportunity, and protect vital health care services for minors and women.

Robinson backed a Fair Tax, which requires millionaires and billionaires to pay their share and provide modest tax relief to 97% of working families.  Illinois’ tax system is among the most unfair in the country and working families bear too much of a burden, which is why Robinson fought to make the wealthiest pay their fair share so we balance the budget and fund critical services like health care for seniors.

“This year, my colleagues and I took important steps to pass a balanced budget that invests in our local economy and moves our state toward a better future,” Robinson said. “The Fair Tax is a first step toward a fairer tax system that provides modest relief to working families and ensures the very wealthy pay their fair share.”

Committed to expanding access to health care, Robinson backed legislation to protect health care coverage for Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions, as well as legislation to prevent excessive premium hikes. Robinson sponsored Senate Bill 2026, which keeps Illinois from entering into waivers being pushed by the Trump Administration that would expand plans that cover less and cost more. Robinson also stood with all women in Illinois by voting to pass Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, which protects the fundamental rights of women from extremist politicians in states like Alabama and Georgia.

Additionally, Robinson led the charge on expanding access to preventive health care by passing House Bill 2665, which allows minors over the age of 12 to receive HPV vaccines, be prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, as well as contraceptives without parental consent.

“Health care is a human right, and we must remove barriers that make it less accessible,” Robinson said. “The well-being of our community is my top priority, and I will continue supporting measures that expand access to quality and affordable health care to all Illinoisans.”

Robinson also worked to prevent senseless violence from occurring in his community and around the state by backing commonsense gun safety legislation to modernize the tools available to local law to ensure public safety. He voted to pass Senate Bill 1966, which would fix the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Act by closing a loophole that the Aurora gunman exploited to get his hands on a firearm, as well as streamlining the revocation process for local law enforcement.

“Protecting our families from senseless gun violence is critical,” Robinson said. “This legislation is a necessary step that will improve background checks and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent criminals from getting their hands on a firearm.”

Robinson also took steps to improve our children’s education by introducing House Bill 2668, which would create child opportunity zones to deliver a comprehensive system of early childhood education and social services that aim to improve student performance in school. In addition, he fought to create an elected Chicago school board that will truly address the needs of students and local families, providing greater transparency and representation.

“Access to a quality education and other services has a significant impact on a child’s future, and we must implement measures that ensure our children have the resources they need to be successful,” Robinson said. “We must also make sure that those who may not have had access to those resources can get a second chance and work toward a better future.”

As an advocate for social justice, Robinson introduced legislation to create the Neighborhood Sealing and Expungement Court Pilot Program to make the expungement process easier and more accessible for residents across Chicago. Robinson also supported cannabis legislation, House Bill 1438, which secured expungements for past offenses and investments in minority-owned businesses.

“Making it easier to have records expunged will benefit residents in our community and enable them to pursue opportunities for a brighter future,” Robinson said. “Legalizing cannabis is about equity and ensuring that we are undoing the consequences of the War on Drugs, as well as taking the necessary steps to create more opportunities in black and brown neighborhoods.”

“My commitment to strengthening our community means fighting for affordable health care, protecting our families from violence, providing access to a quality education and high-wage jobs and relieving the tax burden on middle-class families,” Robinson said. “While there is more work to be done, we have made great strides toward building a stronger Illinois that puts working families first.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, issued the following statement the Fair Tax amendment:

“This week I voted to give residents the opportunity to have their voices heard by allowing them to choose to move to a tax system that will require millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share while providing needed tax relief for 97% of Illinois taxpayers. I support a Fair Tax system that will allow us to invest more in the resources our families need most, like affordable health care, senior care and education.

“The Fair Tax amendment is the first step toward building a stronger middle class and a stronger Illinois. There is more work to be done to put our state on the right track to a better future, and I will continue working for fairer taxes, more economic development and expanded access to health care and other critical services.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, aimed at curbing sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents through better access to preventive healthcare, was signed into law on Wednesday.

“For many young people, discussing safe sex with their parents or guardians is not an option, which can leave them susceptible to contracting a sexually transmitted disease or experiencing an unwanted pregnancy,” said Robinson. “Expanding access to preventative care for minors is critical to reducing the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.”

Robinson’s House Bill 2665 grants a minor the ability to access preventive care related to sexually transmitted diseases or substance abuse without the need for parental consent. Preventive care may include access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, HPV vaccines and birth control.  

“This measure will not only improve the lives of our kids, but it can be life-saving as well,” said Robinson. “I am grateful for the work done by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and state Sen. Emil Jones to help protect our youth and provide them with the necessary health care they need.”

For more information, please contact Robinson’s constituent service office at 773-924-4614 or District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, is hosting Coffee & Conversation meetings to talk with constituents about his legislative agenda and issues facing the state of Illinois. The meetings will be held on Friday, May 3 at 3rd Coast Café, located at 1260 N. Dearborn St. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and at Sip & Savor Rosenwald, located 78 E. 47th St. from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

“I want to hear directly from my neighbors and constituents about our shared priorities for the future of our state,” said Robinson. “I spend a lot of time going door to door in our community, but these casual meetings provide an opportunity for me to meet with my constituents at a time that’s most convenient for them.”

Robinson will discuss the state and local issues that are most important to residents and share legislative updates from Springfield. The event is free and open to the public.

“On Friday, I’ll highlight some of the new ideas and efforts in Springfield that aim to put Illinois back on track by protecting middle-class families from higher healthcare costs or tax increases and creating new economic opportunities in our community. I welcome residents to express their concerns and share ideas on how we can make Illinois better for everyone.”

For more information, please contact Robinson’s constituent service office at 773-924-4614 or by email at District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.

CHICAGO – To help provide better mental health resources for college students, state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, recently supported legislation to require public colleges to develop support systems for students experiencing mental health issues.

“College can be extremely stressful and have a significant impact on students’ mental health,” Robinson said. “Having resources available to assist students who are struggling is extremely important to both their college careers and their overall wellbeing.”

The Robinson-backed House Bill 2152 creates the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act that would require public colleges and universities to form mental health panels to address common mental health concerns on campus, such as depression and anxiety. The legislation would also require colleges to implement a peer to peer support program and form a partnership with local mental health service providers.

“As a former adjunct professor and student mentor, I know that mental health issues are not uncommon on college campuses,” Robinson said. “This legislation will help students facing depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other concerns find much needed balance and support while they earn their degree.”

For more information, please visit Robinson’s full-time constituent service office at 5048 S. Indiana Ave. in Chicago or call 773-924-4614.

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, is supporting an initiative to create the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) to combat climate change and create more jobs in Illinois.

“Climate change is one of the most pressing issues we face today, and we must act now to combat the detrimental effects of fossil fuel usage and start on a path to a greener future,” Robinson said. “While Illinois has made important strides in utilizing environmentally friendly practices, we must continue to move forward and invest in renewable energy.”

The Robinson-backed House Bill 3624, would require Illinois to run completely on renewable energy by 2050, ensuring climate change is addressed while also benefitting underserved communities with new economic opportunities. The legislation creates a $25 million dollar clean jobs workforce hub and clean energy empowerment zones to assist communities as they transition away from reliance on fossil fuels.

“We must act now to stop the effects of climate change,” Robinson said. “An investment in renewable energy and green jobs is an investment in our future, our state and our world.”

For more information, please contact Robinson’s constituent service office at 773-924-4614 or District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.

CHICAGO – Following his commitment to strengthen local schools, state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, voted this week to make the Chicago School Board an elected body.

“Chicago is the only school district in the state that has an appointed school board,” Robinson said. “We’ve seen over and over again that our current school board has not put in the time and effort necessary to make sure that students in our community have everything they need in their schools to succeed. An elected school board will allow local residents from our neighborhood to properly advocate for the needs of our children.”

Currently, members of the Chicago Board of Education are appointed by the mayor of Chicago. Robinson’s House Bill 2267 would change Chicago’s current appointed board into an elected one starting with the 2023 municipal election. Registered voters with residency in the Chicago electoral district for at least one year immediately preceding the election would be eligible to run for a board member position. The legislation would split Chicago into 20 districts that would each elect a representative for the board. Additionally, the measure calls on the General Assembly to review and make any necessary improvements or changes to the structure of the elected school board in 2029.

“Our neighborhoods and students have been disproportionately impacted by decisions of the current school board that closed local schools, increased class sizes and didn’t bring important resources to our classrooms,” Robinson added. “I believe that a school board that represents our community will help bring many much needed resources to our teachers and students.”

For more information about legislation or upcoming events, contact state Rep. Robinson’s constituent service office at District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.