The Relief for Working Families legislative package contains proposals which encourage entrepreneurship, help tipped employees keep all of their gratuities, and create opportunities for technical skill-building that can lead to high-paying jobs.
“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,” said Rep. Brad Stephens. “With this bill package, we can provide tangible financial relief for hardworking, taxpaying Illinoisans and begin to reshape our state into a destination not only for families, but for students, small businesses, and licensed professionals.”
Included in the package is Rep. Kyle Moore’s Reducing Barriers to Start Act (HB 1351) which will eliminate many of the startup fees that new businesses face in Illinois, including all first-year business fees relating to licensing or registration. According to the U.S Treasury, small businesses created over 70 percent of net new jobs since 2019 so removing the barriers to entrepreneurship means businesses can get up-and-running more quickly and start creating new jobs.
Education is also a key component of the legislative package. Not only do these bills expand training and employment opportunities for working families, they also address the workforce shortage facing the trades and manufacturing sectors of the economy.
Rep. Mike Coffey’s legislation creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act (HB 1729) which provides tax credits for those who make authorized contributions to funds that award scholarships to students who attend technical academies. HB 1729 would provide opportunities for those who are not otherwise able to afford the training.
“Contractors in Illinois are challenged by not having enough qualified specialized trade workers to meet demand,” explained Coffey. “This bill would help fill the gaps between the state-mandated labor requirements and workforce availability.”
Other proposals that provide educational assistance include HB 1752 sponsored by House Assistant Republican Leader Brad Stephens, which creates an income tax deduction for employers who provide educational assistance for employees. Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s HB 3807 establishes the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) grant program to help students gain a degree or certification in the fields related to the trades like electrical, plumbing, masonry, steel working and construction. House Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain is also focused on making education more affordable for working families. His HB 3821 doubles the current education expense income tax credit from $750 to $1500 a year.
Many manufacturing companies in Illinois have expressed concern over the shortage of a trained workforce to fill their needs. One of the obstacles has been a need for licensed educators. Rep. Jed Davis HB 1112 opens the door for highly skilled trade workers to become educators, even without a bachelor’s degree, ensuring more experts teaching real-world skills and more opportunities for students to complete their education in manufacturing, engineering, technology or a trade.
Finally, HB 1383 sponsored by Deputy Leader Spain, creates an income tax deduction on Illinois tax returns for gratuities which were included in the tipped-workers federal tax returns. The legislation would help those who rely on gratuities to keep more of their earnings instead of turning them over to the government.
The financial wellbeing of Illinois’ working families is a top priority for House Republicans who will be championing this package of bills throughout the legislative session.
“This package is called Relief for Working families because that’s what it will provide,” said Rep. Moore. “From furthering your education to starting a new business or simply keeping more of your hard-earned money in your own pocket. Working families need and deserve a break.”