SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is proud to support the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’s $1.8 billion tax relief plan to put money back into people’s pockets.

“Thanks to our success in responsibly paying down our debts, we have the resources to provide meaningful refunds to residents in every corner of the state,” Villanueva said. “My hope is that this money eases some of the financial burden facing the people I represent so they can best take care of themselves and their loved ones.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

To address inflation and the rising prices at the pump, the plan also suspends the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months. Parents could see additional relief at the store from Aug. 5-Aug. 14 thanks to a plan to also wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping.

“This relief is both timely and community-centered, helping families prepare for the costs associated with holiday shopping later in the year and spurring foot-traffic in our prized local businesses,” Villanueva said. “This initiative will give our residents, especially those in vulnerable communities, a much needed boost as we continue to recover from the pandemic by helping them offset the cost of living.”

The comprehensive proposal also includes expanded economic aid for lower-income workers and increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders. Senator Villanueva is working with her colleagues to vote on the measure – Senate Bill 1150 – by the planned April 8 adjournment.