Halpin, Swanson honor fallen deputy sheriff

GALESBURG – State Senator Mike Halpin and Representative Dan Swanson are honoring the life of Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist – who died in the line of duty – by passing a measure to memorialize parts of a Galesburg highway.

“Honoring the life of Deputy Nick Weist is a way to show our gratitude and respect for his sacrifice,” said Senator Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This memorial highway will serve as a constant reminder that speaks to his selflessness, and demonstrates we will not forget his sacrifice in serving and protecting the community.”

Knox County Deputy Weist lost his life on April 29, 2022 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle as he deployed spike strips during a vehicle pursuit of an armed subject. Deputy Weist had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for four years and previously served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department and Aledo Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father, and sister.

A section of U.S. Route 150 from Galesburg to Alpha will be designated as the “Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist Memorial Highway” thanks to bipartisan efforts from Halpin and Swanson.

“It is with great honor and humbleness that we can recognize Deputy Weist’s sacrifices for his community and his county,” said Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha). “Designating in his honor the stretch of highway where he gave his life protecting the community is a small way of ensuring that we never forget his service and his sacrifice.”

The Illinois Senate approved House Joint Resolution 17 with bipartisan support.

New tax credits announced for blue collar workers in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity today announced the launch of the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit application for eligible companies. BCJA is a bipartisan legislative package designed to promote economic expansion and growth in Illinois by incentivizing construction projects. The legislation makes $20 million in tax credits available per year for eligible companies.

“Finally, we’ve got a tax credit that rewards blue collar workers rather than the guys in the corner office,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We want more business here in Illinois and we have the workforce to build them. I hope to see these businesses come to Illinois to help expand the economy, and to see our workers share in the incentives the state has to offer.”

The Blue Collar Jobs Act program supports large-scale economic development activities by providing corporate income tax credits to companies that make substantial capital investments in Illinois. The tax credits are based on the wages paid to construction workers employed on eligible projects. To be eligible, a company must be located in an Enterprise Zone or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, designated a High Impact Business, or have an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program. Eligible companies may receive up to 75% income tax withholding credits for construction workers.

For more information about the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit, click here.

Senator Mike Halpin: Let’s get children the benefits they deserve

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed legislation out of the Senate that would help stop parents who do not have primary custody of their child from skipping on child support payments.

"This initiative is crucial as it will facilitate the tracking and accountability of parents who refuse to pay their child support," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This is a positive step towards guaranteeing that children receive the support they need and deserve."

House Bill 3301 would include independent contractors in the definition of "employee" so that anyone who reports income on 1099 forms as an independent contractor would be reported to the National Directory of New Hires registry. The registry was established in 1996 to help track parents who are delinquent on child support payments across state lines.

Under current law, parents can avoid the state database by not self-reporting income because they don’t receive a W-2. Under House Bill 3301, the parent’s 1099 would be reported to the database so the state will know approximately how much income was earned and can enter a court order to pay.

House Bill 3301 makes this change to recognize the need to prevent parents who do not have custody of their child and who are avoiding their child support payments from skirting reporting requirements by filing a 1099 instead of a W-2.

House Bill 3301 passed the on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

EpiPen costs will drop to $60 thanks to Senator Mike Halpin

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed legislation through the Senate that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.

"No household should have to decide between buying life-saving medication and providing food for their family," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation marks a significant stride towards enhancing the affordability and accessibility of EpiPens for all Illinoisans who require them."

Epinephrine Auto-Injectors are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage of these devices has made this medication increasingly difficult to obtain. Parts of the United States have experienced shortages since 2018, with the FDA permitting an extension of the recommended shelf life of EpiPens to combat the shortage.

In addition to the shortage, the cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400. This has placed a significant financial burden on families who need to keep multiple EpiPens on hand for emergencies.

“This achievement is a significant win for households who are facing difficulties in purchasing this medication that can save lives,” said Halpin. “It's high time to put an end to excessive corporate profits. People's ability to come up with $500 dollars shouldn't be the deciding factor in determining whether they can access life-saving medication.”

House Bill 3639 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.