LIBERTYVILLE — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“My office is always concerned for our most vulnerable constituents,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “As the weather turns colder, assistance through the LIHEAP program can make a difference for a family in need.”

Offered through the Help Illinois Families Program, the utility assistance program will provide $237 million to eligible families this fiscal year to assist with natural gas, propane, and electricity. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Beginning Oct. 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

“Illinois winters can be exceptionally brutal and unpredictable,” said Edly-Allen. “I encourage all those who are eligible to apply for this assistance before the funding is exhausted.”

Households with incomes at or below 200% the federal poverty level ($60,000 for a household of 4) are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted.

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.