Republicans Committed to Legislative Agenda That Helps Illinoisans
SPRINGFIELD – As lawmakers return to the Capitol Jan. 28 for the first time since the Jan. 8 Inauguration of the 104th General Assembly, State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) is calling on her legislative colleagues to advance a bipartisan agenda that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, public safety, and support for struggling Illinois families.
The start of the new General Assembly and the second term of the Trump Administration provides an opportunity to move past political divisions and focus on delivering meaningful solutions to the challenges facing Illinois. Unfortunately, Gov. JB Pritzker’s confrontational approach toward the federal administration risks jeopardizing critical federal funding that has supported his record-setting budgets.
As lawmakers work to address the state’s projected $3 billion budget deficit, Tracy says that bipartisan cooperation will be essential to ensure that policies are put in place that foster prosperity for Illinois families, promote economic growth, and enhance public safety.
Get Connected: Participate in a Broadband Breakthrough Program
Local leaders across Illinois are encouraged to participate in the Broadband Breakthrough program led by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and the Illinois Broadband Lab. This initiative provides the tools, data, and knowledge needed to secure funding and build strong broadband partnerships. As the state prepares for the BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois Round 4, the program boosts counties’ ability to become strategic and supportive partners in broadband expansion efforts.
Applications for the Broadband Breakthrough program are open until Jan. 31, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Illinois Office of Broadband is offering a series of webinars covering topics such as data-driven storytelling, digital literacy, and digital equity. These resources aim to assist in securing funding and promoting digital equity across the state.
For more information and to register for webinars, contact Reid Sharkey at reid@benton.org or visit the Illinois Office of Broadband’s website. View previous webinars HERE.
Kickstart 2025 Taxes Now
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting 2025 income tax returns on January 27, coinciding with the IRS’s start date for federal tax filings. This year, eligible taxpayers can file their federal returns for free using the IRS Direct File program, which will then link to Illinois’ MyTax Illinois system to file state taxes at no cost.
Experts encourage taxpayers to file early and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Filing electronically and opting for direct deposit ensures the quickest processing. The tax deadline is April 15, with a six-month extension option available.
Additionally, taxpayers can apply for the Illinois Child Tax Credit, which increases to 40 percent of the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2025. The Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit has also been expanded to include more emergency service volunteers.
IDOR continues to combat fraud, preventing over $145 million in fraudulent refunds last year.
Taxpayers can receive assistance by calling IDOR’s helpline at 1-800-732-8866 or visiting tax.illinois.gov.