LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“Parents and educators alike should take advantage of these tax benefits to help offset the rising costs of education and materials,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I know firsthand as both a parent and former educator how difficult it can be to cover education costs and student expenses.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental, and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental, and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) released the following statement regarding bomb threats made toward suburban Chicago libraries:

“Libraries are vital to our communities. People across the district come to libraries to use educational resources and find community.

“I strongly condemn these cowardly acts made toward these pillars of our community. No one should be afraid to go to the library. These threats only serve to divide our community further and spread fear. I hope you join me in standing in support of our public libraries.”

LIBERTYVILLE — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced that 15 school districts across the area will receive over $12 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“As a former public school teacher, I have a strong commitment to ensuring every student is given equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their ZIP code or financial status,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This funding is instrumental in ensuring our communities receive the resources they need to provide the high quality public education students deserve.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

LIBERTYVILLE – With support from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry.

“Local restaurants are vital to the makeup of our communities,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The Back to Business grants will aid in these businesses’ recovery from financial losses sustained during the pandemic.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Nine restaurants in Edly-Allen’s district will receive a combined total of $360,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“I’m proud to see our state continue to invest in small businesses,” said Edly-Allen. “I encourage all residents to shop small and local. These businesses are what keeps the bond of our community strong.”

For more information about B2B grants visit DCEO’s website