Rep. Stephens, House Republicans Present “Relief for Working Families” Bill Package

February 27, 2025

ROSEMONT… State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont), joined by Representatives Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt), Kyle Moore (R-Quincy), and Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), introduced a new legislative package aimed at providing relief for working families in Illinois.

“Our Relief for Working Families bill package was crafted in order to reduce the financial burdens placed on middle-class Illinoisans who have had to put up with years of economic uncertainty, incessant tax increases, and overspending,” said Stephens. “With this bill package, we can provide tangible financial relief for hardworking, taxpaying Illinoisans and begin to reshape our state into a destination not only for families, but for students, small businesses, and licensed professionals.”

Within the Relief for Working Families bill package is House Bill 1752, filed by Representative Stephens in January, which creates an income tax deduction of up to $5,250 for employers who help their employees pay for things like books, supplies, tuition, and federal loans through the educational assistance program.

Other bills included in the Relief for Working Families Plan include:

  1. Deducting state taxes on tips that are included in a worker’s federal adjusted gross income (HB1383).
  2. Doubling the maximum education expense tax credit from $750 to $1,500 (HB3821).
  3. Encouraging the elimination of all first-year business fees related to licensure or registration of a new business. (HB1351).
  4. Establishing the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program for those seeking training in trades such as construction, electrical work, and steel working (HB3807).
  5. Increasing trade training options by allowing a Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, or Trade (METT) teaching license to be awarded to experienced workers in those trades (HB1112).
  6. Awarding income tax credits to taxpayers who make contributions to organizations that award scholarships for technical education (HB1729).

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State Representative Brad Stephens represents the 20th District which includes parts of Chicago and Suburban Cook County. For more information, please visit RepStephens.com or contact Rep. Stephens’s district office at 773-444-0611.