| As the new legislative session begins in Springfield, thousands of bills have already been filed by the 104th General Assembly. See below for a non-exhaustive summary of some of the notable pieces of legislation that Agudath Israel of Illinois is involved with drafting and/or will be supporting. - Senate Bill 1813 enhances Illinois' education expense credit by increasing it from $750 per family to $2,000 per child up to $6,000 per family. This could potentially provide tuition assistance for struggling families.
- While Agudath Israel has been working with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and local organizations to have a community liaison, Senate Bill 2327 would require DCFS to have a "cultural ombudsman" with dedicated liaisons for various cultures and religious communities.
- An appropriations bill for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA-OHS) would allocate $18 million for the state Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL).
- There are a number of bills that enhance the tax credit for teachers who purchase instructional materials or classroom supplies, with one increasing it from $500 to $1,000 (for a total $2,000 for eligible joint filers). This tax credit was recently increased from $250 to $500 (or $1,000 for eligible joint filers).
Please note, if you are an instructor or school teacher and preparing to file taxes for 2024, make sure your tax professional is aware that you may claim up to $500 (or $1,000 if eligible and filing jointly). In addition to the bills we are supporting, there are a number of bills we will be opposing, including attempts to repeal the 2015 anti-BDS law that punishes companies that boycott Israel, as well as legislation that would prohibit the State Treasurer from investing in Israel Bonds. Proponents of legalizing physician-assisted suicide have once again filed bills that Agudath Israel strongly opposes. On the federal level, as we have been sharing, there is a school choice bill working its way through Congress that would create tuition scholarships in all 50 states. This bill is a top priority for Agudath Israel and have been working on with members of Congress and the Administration, along with other stakeholders. Please urge your congressional representatives to support the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page for the action alert). | 
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