Inside:
- Illinoisans’ money for education could go to other states instead
- New Windsor fire station, Stone-Hayes and the Macomb community band
- Military retiree appreciation
- More news
Illinoisans’ money for education could go to other states instead
Last year the federal government created a program which allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit for donating money to a scholarship program. But each state has to opt into the program before students in that state can begin receiving benefits. Illinois has not yet done so, though 30 other states already have.
Any taxpayer in any state can claim the tax credit starting next year. Four of Illinois’ neighboring states have already joined the program. Illinoisans can still donate to scholarship programs and receive tax credits. But if Illinois does not opt into the program, the money they donate will go to benefit students in other states.
The federal program, known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit, offers a dollar-for-dollar income tax credit of up to $1700 per year for donations to qualified scholarship-granting organizations. It is very similar to a successful tax credit scholarship program which Illinois had until it expired in 2023. I supported its extension, but the legislation to continue it was never brought forward for a vote.
Illinois has until the end of this year to opt into the federal program, or else the funds donated by Illinoisans will go to programs in the other states which are currently participating.
New Windsor Fire Station, Stone-Hayes and the Macomb community band
An amazing community event took place last weekend in New Windsor. The Rivoli Fire Protection District dedicated its new station and hosted a pancake supper in recognition of the ribbon cutting. For the first time in many years, there is a new structure on Main Street in New Windsor, and it is home to some of the greatest EMS volunteers.
The Verl I. Brooks Foundation, consisting of board members Judy Diemer, Tom Bishoff and Mike Schaubroeck at the time, provided an extremely generous donation to the Rivoli Fire Protection District to assist with the construction of a much-needed new fire station in New Windsor covering over half of the cost! The overwhelming generosity that started back with Verl and continued to present time is so much appreciated.
I went to Stone-Hayes in Galesburg to celebrate their 30 years of service to individuals with disabilities in Knox, Warren and Henderson counties. I presented Dawn with an Illinois House Certificate of Recognition. Thank you, Dawn and Stone-Hayes staff for all you do!
The evening finished off with an awesome performance by the Macomb Community band. A lot of local talent of all ages came together to perform for the community!
Military Retiree Appreciation
I recently attended the Quad Cities Military Annual Retiree Appreciation Day at the Rock Island Arsenal.
One of the presentations included information on the National Cemetery program. Additionally, a Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) representative talked about their efforts to retain and maintain veteran benefits. Flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines were available, and a shuttle van was transporting to get new ID cards if needed. It was a good refresher.
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