SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to implement a Fair Tax structure on Wednesday. Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the vote:

“The people in my district want to see better schools, improved roads and economic development and for years they have invested more of their hard-earned money on those services than the millionaires and billionaires living just down the street.

“This is a step to ending that inequity, and I’m looking forward to seeing the support from voters on this important change.”

Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 removes the requirement for a flat income tax rate currently in the Illinois Constitution. The legislation awaits approval from the House before it can be put before voters on the 2020 election ballot.

Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) held his 2nd Annual Kids Health and Safety Fair at the McKinley Park Field House on April 13.

More than 200 residents were in attendance to learn more about services offered through state and community programs. Children were able to enjoy activities like face painting, balloon twisting and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit with the following vendors: Saint Anthony Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, Working Bikes, Illinois State Police, Omega Delta Baseball, Easterseals, YMCA, Chicago Fire Department, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, Neighbors for Environmental Justice and I’m Not Just a Name Children’s Research Center.

Munoz wanted to ensure that families throughout the community learned about resources available that keep children safe and active in the spring and summer months.

Photos can be found here.

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – Appearing on Illinois ballots as presidential and vice-presidential candidates would soon require publicizing tax returns under a proposal led by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“Voters have a right to know a presidential candidate’s conflicts of interests,” Munoz said. “They have reasonably expected this disclosure for decades, and if candidates won’t release the information willingly, then we need a law in place that requires it.”

Senate Bill 145 requiring presidential candidates to file the five most recent years’ tax returns with the Secretary of State before appearing on a primary or general election ballot was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

Candidates would need to file their returns five days prior to the date set for certification of the ballot for the general election.

The measure now heads to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Children of fallen police officers or firefighters would be eligible to receive specialty license plates under a proposal sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“The tragic loss of a parent is unimaginable,” Munoz said. “The children of these brave men and women deserve to be reminded that their parent played an important role in our society, and this is a small gesture that allows them to commemorate their loved one.”

Currently, only the surviving spouse and parents of a fallen police officer or firefighter are eligible for the license plates.

Senate Bill 1894 allows children and step-children of police officers or firefighters who have died in the line of duty to be issued deceased police officer or firefighter license plates. The measure was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

A $15 fee is charged for the first issuance of the license plate in addition to the registration fee. A $2 fee is charged for each registration renewal thereafter.

The proposal is scheduled to move to the House for consideration.