Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Senators Sue Rezin and Jil Tracy have introduced new legislation aimed at providing financial assistance to struggling families with young children. The proposed bills are designed to alleviate the financial burden faced by parents who have children enrolled in daycare and pre-K programs.

According to Sen. Rezin, the lack of access to affordable preschool and childcare is a significant challenge for many families. She emphasized the importance of easing this financial burden and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive preschool education. Sen. Rezin stated, "Any parent or guardian of a young child will tell you that one of the greatest financial hardships that growing families face is the lack of access to affordable, high-quality preschool and childcare."

Senate Bill 2717, sponsored by Sen. Rezin, would offer a tax credit to parents or guardians of children aged 3 to 5 who attend an eligible preschool program in Illinois. The tax credit would cover 100 percent of the expenses incurred by parents, up to $1,500 per child.

Sen. Tracy's Senate Bill 3104 aims to provide financial relief to families paying for childcare services. Under this proposal, qualifying families would receive a state tax credit equivalent to 25 percent of the current federal childcare tax credit for each child.

Sen. Tracy highlighted the challenges faced by families in Illinois due to high inflation and economic pressures, stating, "Families throughout Illinois are finding it difficult to make ends meet as high inflation and other economic pressures impact their bottom line." She emphasized the need to lessen the tax burden on Illinoisans and provide relief to those struggling with the state's high cost of living.

In support of the legislation, Sen. Rezin emphasized the importance of supporting growing families and ensuring that children and their parents have access to the best opportunities possible. She stated, "It is time for our state to ease some of that financial burden that has fallen upon parents and ensure that every child has a chance to access much-needed preschool education."

As the legislative session progresses, Senate Republicans are hopeful for bipartisan cooperation to address these critical issues and improve the lives of families in Illinois. The proposed bills aim to provide much-needed financial assistance to families facing challenges in affording preschool and childcare for their children.