DeKalb Times

House Republicans in Illinois have introduced a series of legislative measures aimed at easing the financial challenges faced by working families. The newly proposed bills focus on entrepreneurship, gratuity retention for tipped employees, and enhancing technical skill-building opportunities.

The "Relief for Working Families" package was presented with the intention of alleviating economic pressures on middle-class residents. Rep. Brad Stephens stated, “Our Relief for Working Families bill package was crafted in order to reduce the financial burdens placed on middle-class Illinoisans who have had to put up with years of economic uncertainty, incessant tax increases, and overspending.”

Among the proposals is Rep. Kyle Moore’s "Reducing Barriers to Start Act" (HB 1351), which aims to eliminate initial business fees in Illinois, facilitating quicker startup processes and job creation. According to U.S Treasury data, small businesses have been responsible for over 70 percent of net new jobs since 2019.

Education also plays a crucial role in this legislative initiative. The package includes measures such as Rep. Mike Coffey’s "Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act" (HB 1729), offering tax credits for contributions towards scholarships at technical academies. Coffey highlighted the workforce shortages facing contractors: “This bill would help fill the gaps between the state-mandated labor requirements and workforce availability.”

Other educational assistance proposals include HB 1752 by House Assistant Republican Leader Brad Stephens, providing income tax deductions for employers offering educational support to employees; Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s HB 3807 establishing the ITRADE grant program; and House Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain’s HB 3821 doubling education expense income tax credits.

Rep. Jed Davis's HB 1112 seeks to address educator shortages by allowing skilled trade workers without bachelor’s degrees to become educators in fields like manufacturing and engineering.

Additionally, Deputy Leader Spain sponsors HB 1383, creating an income tax deduction on gratuities reported in federal tax returns by tipped workers.

Rep. Moore emphasized the overarching goal: “This package is called Relief for Working families because that’s what it will provide,” focusing on education advancement, business initiation support, and increased personal earnings retention.

The legislative session will see House Republicans advocating these bills as part of their commitment to improving financial conditions for working families across Illinois.