Dear Friend,

With the spring legislative session over, I’m proud of all we accomplished in Springfield and we were able to tackle our top priorities in a shortened session. We passed a responsible budget, addressed the increase in crime and fought for all Illinois residents.

As we return home, I wanted to give you an update on the legislation I championed on behalf of the 1st District and our top priorities in the budget.

I encourage you to contact my office to discuss the issues most important to you—give us a call at 773-869-9050 or visit SenatorTonyMunoz.com/contact-us to share your ideas.

All the best,

munozsig2

 

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District


Legislative update

Munozeos

Addressing catalytic converter thefts

Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed. To address this, I sponsored House Bill 107 that would require record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters and prohibit a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing one with cash. Read more here.

Keeping people safe on expressways

In response to an event that stopped traffic on Eisenhower Expressway, I lead a measure, House Bill 5439, that would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway that causes traffic to slow or stop. Read more here.

Police Appreciation Week

As a former Chicago police officer, I understand the oath that these men and women take when they put on the badge. To honor law enforcement officials who keep our communities safe, I supported a proposal making the week of May 15 to May 21, 2022 Police Appreciation Week in Illinois. Read more here.


Getting Illinois back on track

In recent years, Illinois has taken strides toward strong economic recovery by making responsible fiscal decisions. Following numerous negotiations and appropriation meetings, the General Assembly has advanced the Fiscal Year 23 state budget and an additional tax relief plan to support students, working families and our communities.

Taking recommendations from the governor’s proposal, I am pleased to see investments in public safety and education were included to help address the needs of our state’s residents.

$1.83 Billion in Tax Relief for Working Families

  • Suspend the tax on groceries for one year – saving consumers $400 million
  • Freeze the motor fuel tax for six months – saving consumers $70 million
  • Double the property tax rebate – up to $300 per household
  • Permanently expand the earned income tax credit – putting $100 million per year back into the pockets of working families who need it most
    • Eligibility expanded to taxpayers 18-24 years of age and 65 and older as well as taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number, which typically occurs for undocumented filers.
  • Provide direct checks to working families
    • $50 per individual
    • $100 per child, up to three children per family
      • Income limits: $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers
    • Back to school tax relief for families and teachers – saving consumers $50 million
    • Help teachers buy supplies for their classroom though a tax credit of up to $500

Helping Businesses Bounce Back

The budget helps businesses bounce back in all corners of our state by suspending license fees for bars and restaurants and giving them grants to assist in recovery. We’re also making it more attractive and attainable for small businesses in Illinois by revitalizing commercial corridors and creating jobs.

The budget allocates $20 million for grants to attract and retain businesses in Illinois – encouraging people to start businesses here in Illinois and, in turn, create jobs – and another $350,000 for job training and employee development. It also includes $50 million for the Employer Training Investment Program -- $5 million of which will be used for the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment’s small business support efforts.

Paying Down Debt and Fulfilling Pension Promises

The budget meets our full pension commitment while adding $200 million to pay down debt, bringing the total pension payment over what is required to $500 million dollars and saving taxpayers more than $1.8 billion. To save for an unforeseen crisis and protect the budget from future expenses, the Rainy Day Fund is appropriated $1 billion.

Public Safety & Violence Prevention

To invest in public safety, the approved plan allocates more than $200 million on top of the governor’s proposal to support public safety measures, invest in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes and strengthen investments in violence prevent programs that keep communities safe.

Investing in Education

The FY 23 budget invests in our children’s future by appropriating nearly $600 million in early childhood education and keeps our commitment to fully funding K-12 schools by dedicating an additional $350 million to fund the evidence-based funding formula.

College applicants would also see an additional $122 million for the needs-based MAP grant program – a total of $601 million in assistance would be available. This investment will make financial aid available to at least 24,000 more students and increase the maximum grant award to $8,508 – which is nearly half a year’s worth of tuition at a state university.

Prioritizing Mental Health

The budget puts $5 million in funding for Crisis Response services for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis and call into the 9-8-8 hotline. Additionally, it calls for an increase of $50 million for addiction treatment services.

Dear Friend,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. I enjoyed a relaxing time my family this winter, but it’s time to get back to work on my legislative agenda.

We have a shortened session calendar this year, but that won’t stop us from pursuing countless new legislative measures to improve the livelihood of Illinois families. I’m excited to continue prioritizing our veterans, increasing access to broadband and protecting first responders.

Read on for more information about COVID-19 updates, donating blood, assistance application deadlines and more.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns this new year at 773-869-9050 or SenatorTonyMunoz.com/contactus.

All the best,

munozsig2

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

Read more ...

Dear Friend,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying well. As you prepare to gather to celebrate the holiday season, I wanted to reach out to give you a few updates and remind you that my staff is ready to assist you with any needs that may arise.

Below, you’ll find information on energy assistance this winter, help for business owners and more.

With questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 773-869-9050 or SenatorTonyMunoz.com/ContactUs. My staff and I are ready to serve you.

Stay warm and healthy, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Tony Munoz

munozsig2

 

 

State Senator | 1st District

 


 

Energy Assistance for winter

Utility

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Citizens Utility Board are reminding residents to apply for $200 million remaining in utility assistance under Governor JB Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families initiative – an expansion of the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program under the American Rescue Plan.  

Designed to support Illinois’ most vulnerable families and keep them from falling behind, the program will help cover the cost of heating and energy bills, including expanded benefits provided this year from $750 to $1,000, on average per household.

To learn more and to fill out a new remote application, visit helpillinoisfamilies.com.

 

SBA Signature Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration reached $44.8 billion in funding to small businesses through more than 61,000 traditional loans in the last 12 months ending on Sept. 30, 2021. More than $1.4 billion in loans were made by SBA-approved lenders in Illinois, totaling 2,160 loans.

 

Reminder: COVID EIDL Applications due before Dec. 31, 2021

The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program ends on Dec. 31. Business owners, non-profits, and other eligible entities must apply or request an increase by 10:59 p.m. CT that day to be considered for the program. For more information about COVID EIDL, visit the SBA website.

Join the SBA’s Illinois District Office to learn more about the changes to the COVID EIDL program and how to navigate the application and reconsideration process on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Register now to attend!

 

$3.5 million in tax credits available for investors

The Angel Investment Tax Credit Program has been a springboard for startups that range the entire spectrum, from tech and life sciences, to manufacturing – bringing innovative programs and services to fruition. In Illinois, venture funding is at an all-time annual record of over $5.5 billion raised and to finish the year strong, DCEO is reminding investors there is currently $3.5 million in tax credits still up for grabs for the remainder of the year on a first-come first-served basis. The program is still accepting applications from new businesses, as well as investors for the 2021 program. For more on applying, visit DCEO’s website.

 

College-bound students can use Common App to apply to Illinois public universities

CommonApp

Applying for college can be exhausting. Not anymore. Now there is just one application for all 12 public universities and dozens of private colleges in Illinois. Learn more at http://commonapp.org.

Appointments to be required for certain services at Illinois driver’s facilities

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that throughout the next few months, many larger downstate and central Illinois Driver Services facilities will require appointments for behind-the-wheel road tests, REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards. Vehicle services, such as renewing a license plate sticker or applying for a vehicle title, do not require an appointment. The facilities and tentative dates they begin appointments can be found here. Other locations may be added to the list of appointment-required facilities after this rollout is complete.

VeteransDayTW

Dear Friend,

This Veterans Day, let us come together to celebrate our United States service members for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We must also honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The men and women who serve in our military are nothing short of American heroes, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

If you are currently serving or did a tour of duty in the past, thank you for your service. Your bravery and dedication to protecting American families and our greatest ideals is incomparable.  

For those who aren’t veterans, today is a time to reach out to veterans you know to pay your respects and thank them for their service. You can also send a message to an individual or to the home staff at our Illinois Veterans’ Homes by clicking here.

There are many resources available for our veterans. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or locate your closest Veteran Service Officer.  You have fought for us, and now we will fight for you.

Sincerely,

munozsig2

 

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

summer book club

COVID19 Updates

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Contact Info

Springfield Office:
323A State Capitol Bldg.
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-9415

Chicago Office:
1836 W. 35th St. 1st Fl.
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 869-9050