Kifowit Focused on Tax Relief, Job Creation, Public Safety and Veterans’ Issues in Legislative Session

AURORA, Ill. – With the conclusion of the spring legislative session in Springfield, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, highlighted her efforts to lower property taxes, enforce fiscal restraint, oppose the extension of the state’s income tax increase, work to create good paying jobs in our state and increase support for veterans and victims' rights.

“Burdensome taxes have hit middle class families hard during these tough times,” said Kifowit. “When I first came into office, I made it clear that I supported rolling back the income tax hike and providing property tax relief to stop the drain on working families. I have worked to introduce legislation and advance a dialogue about the seriousness of lowering the tax burden on individuals and homeowners, which I intend to continue.”

Building upon her legislative efforts to lower property taxes last year, Kifowit passed Senate Bill 347 to lower property taxes by allowing bills to be calculated beyond three decimal points, which keeps money in homeowners’ pockets when their bills are not rounded up. She also sponsored House Bill 4793 and Senate Bill 1309 which would lower property taxes for veterans and seniors. To impose fiscal responsibility on the state of Illinois, Kifowit voted against budget initiatives that depended on funding from the extension of the income tax increase. 

“I will continue pushing to be a voice for fiscal responsibility, and it is irresponsible to support a budget that is based on assumptions that the income tax increase would be permanent,” said Kifowit.  “Making tough decisions to help Illinois continue on the path to solid fiscal ground is what I was sent to Springfield to do.”

Senate Bill 3387, which Kifowit sponsored in the House, changes the Fox Valley Park District Board of Directors from an appointed board to an elected board.  Prior to this legislation, the Fox Valley Park District Board was the only appointed board in the state outside of Chicago.  Kifowit’s measure was passed with bipartisan support and has been sent to the governor for his signature to become law.

“Voters have a right to elect representatives of taxing bodies, and their vote holds officials accountable,” said Kifowit. “This legislation is the product of all the representatives working together to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in government.” 

As a former U.S. Marine, Kifowit understands the many sacrifices that veterans have made for this country. She introduced House Joint Resolution 91 to address how Illinois can help veterans cope with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can be a contributing factor to a veteran committing suicide after they return from deployments. She also helped pass Senate Bill 3255 to reduce bureaucracy for disabled veterans renewing disability plates and placards.

“The freedoms we are able to enjoy in this country are only possible because brave men and women stood up and defended them,” Kifowit said. “It pains me that so many have returned injured both mentally and physically from service. We owe it to them to ensure they receive the care they deserve.”

Supporting workers in not only Illinois, but our nation as a whole, Kifowit co-sponsored House Bill 3861, which invests in American jobs by ensuring that the vehicles used by our State Police and state agencies are made in America.  In addition, she backed Senate Bill 226, which will work to increase the amount of American-made and Illinois-made products sold.

“The sentiment that we ‘Buy American’ should not be an empty cliché; our state should invest in American jobs, so we can see the benefit of our dollars in our own communities,” said Kifowit.

As an advocate for those in need, Kifowit was a co-sponsor for House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1, which gives crime victims the ability to enforce their rights in a court of law, commonly referred to as “Marsy’s Law.” 

“When crimes occur, we have a duty to victims and their family to ensure they have basic protections and a voice in the criminal justice system,” said Kifowit. 

The constitutional amendment provides for important victims’ rights, such as notifying a victim of the release of a convicted individual, allowing the judge to consider the safety of the victim and the victim’s family when issuing sentences and rulings, and many other important protections.

“It is an honor and a privilege to represent my community in the legislature, and I want to continue to be in touch with all sides of these key issues to help make the best decisions for area residents,” Kifowit said. “While we were able to make progress on several key areas, more remains unresolved. We must continue to lower property taxes for area families and ensure our veterans receive the treatment they deserve. I look forward to speaking with many residents this summer at both my Monday morning coffee shop stops, Third Thursday Speaker Series and while walking door-to-door to discuss the issues that are important to them.” 

House Joint Resolution 91 and House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 were adopted. Senate Bills 226, 347 and 3255 passed both houses and will await the governor’s signature to become law. House Bill 4793 and Senate Bill 1309 await consideration in the House. House Bill 3861 and Senate Bill 3387 passed out of the House and await consideration in the Senate.

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.