Dear friend,
With the spring legislative session currently underway, I’m proud to continue the important work of representing you and bringing forth legislation that has a positive impact across our state.
Read on to learn about new legislation I am working on, utility bill assistance, scholarships, grants and additional opportunities. For updates about my legislation and other helpful resources, follow along on my website.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612, Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 or online with any questions or concerns.
All the best,
Mike Halpin
State Senator | 36th District
Legislative update
Expanding the Illinois child tax credit
With the cost of living and housing skyrocketing, it’s time for us here in Illinois to step up and provide relief for families. We need to work across the aisle to make sure that our children are taken care of all across the state. Senate Bill 3329 would create a state-level child tax credit for eligible low- and middle-income families. Families would receive a $300 tax credit for each qualifying child starting in tax year 2025. The proposal would benefit joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. If passed, Illinois would join 14 other states in enacting a state-level child tax credit. Read more here.
Programs and resources
Utility bill assistance available
Need help staying warm this winter? Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level may be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps households with natural gas, propane and electricity bills by providing a one-time payment directly to the energy provider. Learn more about LIHEAP and submit a request for services form to determine your eligibility here.
Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship open to high school seniors
To help high school seniors continue their education in Illinois, the Township Officials of Illinois awards seven $2,000 scholarships annually. Interested students must submit a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, their high school transcript, a cover letter and completed application online or by mail no later than March 1. For more information, visit the TOI website.
Attend a webinar on federal student loan repayment
With the return to repayment for federal student loans underway, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and University of Illinois are hosting a series of free webinars to answer questions about the payment process. The next webinar is Feb. 16 at noon. Register online here.
Nominate someone you know for the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
Do you know an older adult who inspires their community? If so, now is the time to nominate them for the 2024 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame Awards! Each year, four Illinois residents are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their work in the arts, sports and entertainment; community service; education; or the labor force. Nominations are accepted through the Illinois Department on Aging until June 1.
Grants and funding opportunities
Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is launching the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program with $6.4 million in grant funds available for projects designed to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain. The program — in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture — is open to small and mid-size producers who support middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, manufacturing, and distributing locally and regionally produced food. Applications will be accepted until March 15. Learn more and apply here.
Illinois Grocery Initiative grants open for equipment upgrades
Eligible local grocers can now apply for funding to receive energy-efficient equipment upgrades through the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Equipment Upgrades Program. These grants will provide funding to existing grocery stores, with priority given to those located in food insecure communities across the state. Apply by March 4 at 5 p.m. on DCEO’s website.