SPRINGFIELD - Educators throughout the state spend their own money for classroom supplies and materials with no expectation of repayment, but that will change if State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) Senate Bill 1143 becomes law. The measure passed the full Senate Thursday.

“Our school funding falls short of what materials students need in the classroom, and I’m pleased we can offer support in the gap between what district funding affords and how much educators are voluntarily spending out of their own pockets for these items,” Holmes said.

Senate Bill 1143 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to allow a tax credit in the amount paid by the educator or other school staff for classroom-based instructional materials to an amount equal to the expenses, but not to exceed $300, beginning in taxable year 2023. In current law, the maximum credit allowed is $250.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) passed legislation Tuesday to help the Kendall County Courthouse grow to serve the demand for additional facilities and more timely resolution of court cases for area residents.

Senate Bill 3737 would allow the county to finish space that was built but never completed, and to house additional judicial staff hired to support the increasing needs for court services in the growing county.

“Kendall County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010, and the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020, having grown its population by 141% since 2000,” Holmes said. “Population growth means the courthouse needs expanding to meet the county’s legal proceedings, and I’m happy to help make this happen.”

AURORA – After Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address and Budget Proposal on Wednesday, State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released her reactions to several of the governor’s planned 2023 budget strategies.

“Overall, I heard the governor lay out some aggressive proposals to help Illinois stay the course of steady improvement in recent years,” Holmes said. “Funding our schools, money for our communities, resources for our police and tax relief for homeowners and motorists. There's a lot to like in Governor Pritzker's budget plan and it could be a big win locally.”

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has secured $22,288.00 for the Aurora Public Library District through Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

“I’m really excited to be directing funds to libraries that are focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce,” Holmes said.

Statewide, Sec. White has awarded nearly $6 million to libraries through the funding to allow these libraries to expand access to their patrons.