Bringing Valentine’s Cheer to Seniors Across the 45th District
My Valentine’s Card Drive for seniors is one of the most meaningful events my office hosts each year. Too often, our seniors are overlooked or left feeling isolated, but last week we worked to change that across the 45th District.
My staff and I visited more than 30 senior living homes and personally delivered cards to the men and women who helped build our communities. The most rewarding part is always seeing the smiles on their faces. Moments like that are a powerful reminder of how far a simple act of kindness can go.
This event reinforces why it is so important to regularly check in on our seniors and make sure they know they are valued and remembered.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s drive a success. Your kindness did not go unnoticed. I am already looking forward to doing it again next year.
Meeting with Constituents on Protecting Election Integrity
This week, I met with two constituents from the 45th District, Ray Dammann and Marty Speracino, to discuss their concerns about voter integrity, an issue I take very seriously.
We had a productive conversation about the importance of free and fair elections. Every eligible citizen should be able to confidently exercise their civic duty, and the public must trust that those participating in our elections are doing so legally and without fraud.
I explained that while I do not have the ability to vote on the federal SAVE Act because I am not a member of Congress, it is legislation I would strongly support. The SAVE Act would require valid identification when voting, helping ensure the integrity of federal, state, and local elections.
Here in Illinois, I have introduced SB 2226, which would require voters to present a valid government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot. This commonsense measure is designed to strengthen election integrity and restore public confidence in our voting process.
I encourage constituents who believe in secure elections to support SB 2226 and make their voices heard. Together, we can protect the integrity of the ballot box.
Calling for Affordability Focus Ahead of Governor’s Budget Address
With Governor JB Pritzker set to deliver his annual budget address later this week, I am calling on the administration to finally put affordability front and center for Illinois families.
Right now, working families are stretched thin. Groceries cost more. Energy bills are higher. Property taxes keep climbing. The last thing Illinoisans need is another budget that grows government while making life more expensive for the people footing the bill.
Last year, Democrats passed the largest spending plan in state history. That budget piled on nearly $1 billion in new taxes and leaned heavily on one-time revenues and budget maneuvers instead of long-term fiscal discipline.
Since Governor Pritzker took office, state spending has exploded by nearly $15 billion, pushing the total budget past $55 billion. That is close to a 40 percent increase in just a few years. I opposed that plan because it prioritized bigger government over real relief for taxpayers and small businesses.
I am also deeply concerned by renewed talk from Democrats about bringing back a progressive income tax scheme that Illinois voters already rejected at the ballot box in 2020.
As the governor prepares his next proposal, my message is simple: Illinois families need relief, not more government growth. The administration should rein in spending, focus on affordability, and commit to a responsible budget that does not include new or higher taxes.
Governor Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his annual address to the General Assembly on Wednesday, February 18.
Free Tax Filing Help Available Through Community Programs
As the April tax deadline approaches, several trusted programs across Illinois are offering free income tax preparation assistance for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These services help eligible residents file basic state and federal returns and provide guidance on electronic filing.
Available assistance is offered through multiple well-established programs, including the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, the AARP Tax-Aide Program, Ladder Up Tax Assistance, and GetYourRefund. Eligibility requirements and services vary, so taxpayers are encouraged to review program details to find the best fit.
I believe these community-based efforts are a valuable resource for residents seeking support during tax season, and I encourage eligible taxpayers to take advantage of these trusted assistance sites if they need help.
Taxpayers can learn more by visiting the Illinois Department of Revenue website or by calling the taxpayer assistance hotline at 800-732-8866.
