SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the commitment to budget in a responsible, equitable way that benefits communities in all corners of the state, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is proud to support a $1.8 billion tax relief plan that would put money back in people’s pockets.

“Too many working families struggle to afford the growing cost of raising children,” Loughran Cappel said. “That’s why my colleagues and I have brought forth this plan to help Illinois families get money back in their pockets.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

To address inflation and the rising prices at the pump, the plan also suspends the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months. Parents could see additional relief at the store from Aug. 5-Aug. 14 thanks to a plan to also wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping.

“As a parent and former teacher, I know the financial hit that families take when they go back-to-school shopping,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope by instituting a tax holiday, we can help relieve families and educators of some financial costs in order to prepare students for success.”

The comprehensive proposal also includes increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders. Senator Loughran Cappel is working with her colleagues to vote on the measure – Senate Bill 1150 – by the planned April 8 adjournment.