SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Halpin supported a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“The cost of living is on the rise, increasingly making it harder for our seniors to live in our communities, with high property taxes continuing to contribute to this issue,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this bill, we are ensuring that property taxes are not burdensome for seniors and do not price them out of their homes.”

Senate Bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

SPRINGFIELD – Building on recent successes in funding Western Illinois infrastructure, State Senator Mike Halpin helped secure landmark transit upgrades for the region.

“This investment will go to necessary upkeep and expansion of our public transit system in Western Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this money, we have the opportunity to expand ridership, improve safety and bring economic opportunity to the entire region.”

Most notably, the transit package includes funding for Chicago – Quad Cities passenger rail. This level of funding significantly advances the more than two-decade push to reestablish a passenger rail connection between Chicago and the Quad Cities. The legislation also addresses the downstate mass transit “fiscal cliff,” allocating nearly $160 million to downstate transit districts, including Metrolink, Warren County Transportation, City of Galesburg Transit, and Go West Transit in Macomb.

ROCK ISLAND – With one in five of his constituents in Western Illinois receiving SNAP benefits, State Senator Mike Halpin is warning people of the dire and immediate impact of the potential halt of SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1

“A significant portion of residents in Western Illinois could lose key food assistance support due to the federal government shutdown,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “The federal administration could be funding SNAP benefits for November onward, but are actively choosing not to. The money is there. I condemn this inaction and call on those able in the Western Illinois community to donate to their local food bank and check on their neighbors.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including 42,168 people in the 36^th Senate District. Food banks like River Bend food bank are expecting a large impact.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to ensure defendants in a home repair or remodeling contract dispute receive attorney’s fees passed committee today.

“If homeowners have a genuine dispute and receive a favorable ruling, they should receive full coverage of attorney’s fees,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This will make sure a resident will have one less cost barrier to enforce their rights against a contractor.”

State law already requires consumer contracts in cases under $10,000 to pay out attorney’s fees to a consumer if the consumer prevails in their action. This initiative would ensure that if a home repair and remodeling contract allows attorney’s fees then the contract will permit the award of attorney’s fees to all parties in the contract.