Five communities across Western Illinois set to receive nearly $2 million to confront blighted properties

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that Galesburg, Macomb, Moline, Monmouth and Rock Island are set to receive a combined total of $1,946,000 to support community revitalization efforts.

“Community blight and vacant properties are a detriment to growth and economic development,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Getting some of the blight cleaned up is good for property values and gives families and businesses alike all the more reason to move in.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

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Halpin announces over $4 million coming to local school districts through evidence-based funding

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that 23 school districts across Western Illinois will receive over $4 million in evidence-based funding.

“If we want to give children across Western Illinois the best opportunity for success in the modern world, it happens through education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “The evidence-based funding model works; it gives extra funding to school districts to give students better outcomes.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

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August Newsletter

Dear friend,

The end of summer is approaching – except for the heat it seems – and I wanted to share some resources with you about tax credits and deductions that the state is offering for residents. Read on to learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and back-to-school tax benefits that are available.

With Labor Day quickly approaching, I hope that you and your family are staying healthy. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612, Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 or SenatorHalpin.com with any questions.

Sincerely,

Mike Halpin
State Senator | 36th District

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Back-to-School Tax Benefits

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under age 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students.

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax credit for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides in a qualified school for at least 900 hours during a school year. Increasing from last year, they can now claim a credit up to $500 for qualified expenses they paid in the current taxable year. If spouses are both educators and are filing jointly, the maximum credit is $1,000.

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Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced that the next funding round for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program will open Wednesday, Nov. 1 and run through Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Individuals that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during the rebate cycle will be eligible for up to a $4,000 rebate as long as funds are available.

Forms and application instructions will be available starting Oct. 18 on the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage.

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Hazardous Waste Collection Event in East Moline

Rock Island County Waste Management Agency is hosting a household hazardous material collection event on Saturday, Oct.7 at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. This is an opportunity for Illinois residents to responsibly dispose of materials that cannot be disposed of with normal waste. Please sign up for a time slot to help ensure efficient drop off. Click here to sign up.

This event is co-sponsored by the Illinois EPA. For details on accepted materials, go to www.ricwma.org.

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Car Seat Safety Check Event

My office is hosting a free car seat safety check event in partnership with the Regional Office of Education #33 and the Galesburg Fire Department. I encourage every parent in Knox, Warren and Mercer counties to attend. The event will be Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Galesburg Fire Station, located at 150 S. Broad St. The Regional Office of Education #33 will have 13 certified child passenger safety technicians on hand for the event. This is a free event and appointments are NOT required. Read more here.

Halpin invites Knox, Warren and Mercer county parents to car seat check event

GALESBURG – In partnership with the Regional Office of Education #33 and the Galesburg Fire Department, State Senator Mike Halpin is inviting area residents for a free car seat safety check event.

“This is great chance to make sure that your little ones are staying safe when you’re driving,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Car seat safety checks provide an opportunity for you to learn the ins and outs of car seat safety.”

The car seat safety check event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Galesburg Fire Station, located at 150 S. Broad St. Walk-ins are welcome as no appointment is needed to participate.

“The Henderson, Knox, Mercer, Warren Regional Office of Education #33 is proud to co-sponsor the first Car Seat Safety Event of the school year! Our 13 certified child passenger safety technicians look forward to not only providing this check event for our community but to also support car seat safety throughout the year,” said a spokesperson for the Regional Office of Education #33. “Families are welcome to contact ROE #33 for their car seat safety needs. We also look forward to supporting collaborating agencies who may have the need to learn more about car seat safety. Forty-six percent of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly, let us help reduce that percentage by keeping your child safe!”

Residents who need additional assistance or have questions can reach out to Senator Halpin’s Galesburg constituent service office at (309) 297-4483 or visit SenatorHalpin.com.