South West Illinois News

In a newsletter posted on her official Senate web page, Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) detailed legislation Republican lawmakers are pushing to advocate for ways to address the current financial issues Illinoisans are faced with.

"These solutions present an opportunity to provide much-needed, permanent relief to Illinoisans who often have to choose between buying groceries or paying their utility bills," Bryant said in the newsletter.

The newsletter highlighted a package of bills that are meant to bring Illinois residents some financial relief. Senate Bills 168 and 1151 would give parents a tax credit equal to 25% of the federal tax credit for each of their qualifying children, or up to $500 per child on state income taxes. Both bills were introduced in January. Since then, a number of other legislators have signed on as co-sponsors and the legislation has been referred to the assignments committee.

Other proposed legislation would make the grocery sales tax exemption permanent and extend it to include prescription drugs and other medical devices starting in July. Another bill would set aside $200 million in energy rebates for Ameren customers through a program that's already been established. Under the program, a household could receive about $170 in credit for utility bills, the newsletter pointed out.

Senate Bill 330 aims to make changes to the state's property tax code. It was filed  in February. According to the newsletter, the legislation would Increase Illinois' income tax exemption for seniors ages 65 and older from $1,000 to $2,000 starting the beginning of next year. It has also been referred to the assignments committee. 

Bryant was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2014, and was then elected to the Illinois Senate in 2020. Bryant represents the 58th Senate District which includes all or parts of Edwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Marion, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, St. Claire, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, and White counties. She was chosen as Assistant Republican Leader for the Senate Republican Caucus in 2023.