SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s proposed budget address today, State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) issued the following statement:

“Stability and growth in Western Illinois starts with a fair budget for everyone. That’s why we have to provide necessary services for residents and businesses alike so they can plan for the future. The governor’s budget is a good start, but we need more for Western Illinois.

“My top priorities will continue to be additional funding for higher education, child care services, infrastructure upgrades and veterans. We have made a good start on these issues in recent years, but there is always room for us to improve.

“As we go through the budget process over these next few months, I will work overtime to ensure that communities in our part of the state get a fair shake. I’m confident that we can get it done, because that’s what our residents deserve.”

ROCK ISLAND – Under a proposal supported by State Senator Mike Halpin, working parents in Illinois earning the median income or less could soon have the option to claim a state-level child tax credit on their state income taxes.

“With the cost of living and housing skyrocketing, it’s time for us here in Illinois to step up and provide relief for families,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need to work across the aisle to make sure that our children are taken care of all across the state.”

Senate Bill 3329 would create a state-level child tax credit for eligible low- and middle-income families. Families would receive a $300 tax credit for each qualifying child beginning in tax year 2025. The proposal would benefit joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. If passed, Illinois would join more than 14 other states in enacting a state-level child tax credit.

With the cost of living rising across the country, children are often times the most affected.  According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, over seven million children in 2021 lived in a household where they weren’t eating enough because the household couldn’t afford it. In data collected in 2019, 1.1 million children lived in a household where they were sometimes or often not eating enough because the household couldn’t afford it.

“We need this child tax credit because it will help families put food on the table for their children,” said Halpin. “It’s the right thing to do to make sure that no child goes hungry.”

Senate Bill 3329 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Mike Halpin and members of the Illinois General Assembly joined the Illinois Farm Bureau for a press conference Wednesday to announce the Family Farm Preservation Act.

“The Family Farm Preservation Act addresses reoccurring issues for farmers under the current estate tax system — from farmers having to sell their land to breaking up the family agribusiness in order to keep up with these hefty taxes,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Family-owned farms across Illinois contribute to the success of our state’s agricultural powerhouse, and alleviating unnecessary financial burdens allows them to continue their valuable service.”

Senate Bill 2921 is a bipartisan effort led by State Senator Dave Koehler designed to protect farm families and their land by updating the Illinois Estate Tax code to include protections in regards to inflation. Legislators and stakeholders at the press conference expressed the need for this legislation and the opportunities it would give farmers and their families who provide food across the state. State Representative Sharon Chung introduced an identical bill in the House, House Bill 4600.

“Farmers are on the frontlines of our communities to provide affordable local food and resources,” said Halpin. “This initiative benefits the farmer as well as their family’s future farmers, and I look forward to seeing how our state’s agricultural industry evolves from such improvements.”

The Family Farm Preservation Act awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.

GALESBURG – State Senator Mike Halpin is launching a Valentine’s Day card drive for Galesburg residents living in long-term care facilities.

“We want to make sure that our seniors get the appreciation they deserve on Valentine’s Day,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I believe that it’s important to start off the new year by reminding our seniors that they are valued and recognized.”

Halpin is encouraging community members in the Galesburg area to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his Galesburg constituent service office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to senior facilities in Knox County.

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Friday, Feb. 9. Those wishing to participate can drop off or mail cards to Halpin’s Galesburg office, located at 117 E. Main. St., Suite 103, Galesburg, IL 61401.

For more information or questions, residents can reach out to Halpin’s Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483.