Grundy Reporter

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) wants to make sure more Illinois families have access to benefits to keep up with their utility bills.

Rezin introduced legislation on Feb. 7 that would expand the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"Like most Illinoisans, I have been concerned with the rising rate for natural gas that we have seen throughout the state," Rezin wrote in a Feb. 8 tweet. "This legislation is the first step in ensuring that Illinois families are able to heat their homes in an affordable fashion."

According to Shaw Local News Network, the legislation would allow a family of four with a combined yearly income of up to $110,000 to be eligible for benefits under LIHEAP. Currently, only  families making less than $55,550 are eligible. First-time small business owners could also apply.

“Until now, our state’s middle class has had little-to-no options for relief when it comes to increasing heating bills,” Rezin said in a news release, according to Shaw Local News Network.

The expanded program would be part of a $550 million Home Heating Rebate Relief Fund for both the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. Shaw Local News Network reported the funding would be granted on a first-come first-served basis. 

"This is an issue that affects all of us and appears to be only getting worse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the market prices of gas rose by more than 24% this December. This, plus other factors, has caused experts to project a 30% increase in winter heating prices for nearly half of all U.S. households,” Rezin said in the release. 

The legislation, Senate Bill 4068, would take effect as soon as it's signed into law. 

According to a summary of the bill on LegiScan, it would also require the Deparment of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish the rebate program that would provide the payments to families who have a median household income between 200% and 400% of the poverty guidelines and live in homes that use natural or propane gas for heat. 

Two months ago, the state also launched a low-income water assistance program according to Block Club Chicago.