SPRINGFIELD – To offer homeowners some relief from hefty property tax burdens, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) introduced legislation to establish a property tax credit for middle-class earners.

“To put it simply, working families are overburdened by property taxes,” Crowe said. “Creating a homestead exemption for working families is an important step toward allowing these families more financial freedom to support loved ones as well as local organizations, restaurants and small businesses.”

Starting in 2022, Crowe’s measure would allow homeowners to deduct 5 percent, or up to $5,000, from the assessed value of their home. Any Illinois household with an income of less than $131,772 would qualify for the homestead exemption.

The initiative is part of a long-term effort by Crowe to reduce property tax burdens on Illinois families.

“When considering locations to buy a home, open a business or raise a family, residents look for lower property taxes,” Crowe said. “Working families are critical to building our infrastructure, economies and opportunities throughout the state. We should encourage them to plant their roots in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1745 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Revenue Committee Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – Central Park in Wood River is receiving a $2.5 million state grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced today.

“The pandemic has emphasized the importance of local parks to a community’s quality of life, offering safe space for fresh air, exercise and solace,” Crowe said. “This investment to improve public space at Central Park shows our state’s commitment to offering residents more recreational opportunities and optimizing health and wellness.”

Central Park’s revitalization projects include plans to build a recreation center housing a gymnasium with two full-size multi-sport courts, an elevated walking path above the courts, locker rooms, multi-purpose space and more.

The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. The grant to Wood River was one of 17 grants totaling $24.9 million awarded across the state Tuesday.

A full list of grantees is available on IDNR’s website.

MARYVILLE – In response to news that Paula Sims—who admitted to killing her two infant daughters in 1990 after claiming they were kidnapped—has been granted executive clemency and is now eligible for parole, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) says she is horrified by this clear injustice:

“As a mother with 15 years of prosecuting experience in the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office, I find Paula Sims’ charges especially disturbing. In order to ensure justice for victims of violent crimes, vile actions must have equivalent consequences.

“According to prosecutors, Sims fabricated a story under oath blaming masked intruders for her daughters’ disappearances. She failed to take responsibility for her heinous actions and showed no remorse while also delegitimizing mothers who suffer from postpartum mental health issues.

“Sims was charged with first-degree murder and imprisoned because she poses a significant threat to our community. That she may soon be released to walk among us is not only insulting to those whose lives were destroyed by her actions, but also endangers the integrity of our criminal justice system as a whole.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to in-person requirements barring residents from updating their wills or establishing end-of-life plans during the pandemic, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced a measure unanimously through the Senate to modernize court practices for remote and electronic filings.

“More aspects of our daily lives go digital every day, but the procedure for estate planning has lagged behind as technology advances,” Crowe said. “Providing residents the opportunity to have remote will hearings and electronic filings increases safety and efficiency.”

Executive Order 2020-14, filed in March 2020, gave notaries and witnesses the ability to finalize documents remotely during the pandemic. Crowe’s legislation works in collaboration with the executive order to allow wills to be signed electronically and hearings to be conducted virtually.

Senate Bill 72 heads to the House for deliberation.