SENATE DEMOCRATS ARE PUSHING A PACKAGE OF BILLS THAT THEY SAY WILL HELP GET ILLINOIS FAMILIES BACK ON THEIR FEET.

THE LEGISLATION INCLUDES AN EXPANSION OF THE STATE’S EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT AND THE CREATION OF AN ILLINOIS CHILD TAX CREDIT, SPONSORED BY SENATOR MIKE SIMMONS OF CHICAGO.

SENATOR OMAR AQUINO OF CHICAGO SAYS THE CREDIT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY.

OTHER PROPOSALS INCREASE FUNDING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND MAKE MORE FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.