Rep. Conroy Focuses On Tax-Relief, Balancing Budget in Legislative Session

VILLA PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) wrapped up the legislative session in Springfield on Saturday, May 31 leading by example in bringing more fiscal restraint to state government, opposing the extension of the state’s income tax increase, lowering property taxes and working to create good paying jobs in our state.

“When I first ran for State Representative I pledged to the voters of the 46th District that I would fight for tax relief for middle class families,” said Conroy. “Families are struggling to make ends meet and paying more taxes than ever before.  I fought hard against extending the income tax increase.”

In addition to voting to provide tax-relief, Rep. Conroy voted against budget initiatives that depended on revenue supplied by the extension of the income tax hike.

“I could not support a budget that was based on imaginary revenue and the assumption that the income tax hike would be made permanent,” said Conroy. “I understand this is a difficult issue. But making tough decisions is what the Legislature has been entrusted to do. We have a responsibility to do what is in the best interests of the people we serve, and I believe there is still more work to do to fund the state’s priorities and provide services to our residents.”

Rep. Conroy continues to focus her legislative agenda on easing the tax burden on working families in Illinois, reducing government waste and balancing the budget, and creating jobs for Illinois workers.

To save taxpayer dollars she led by example and voted for the second year in a row to freeze the automatic cost of living adjustment for legislators.  In an effort to offer taxpayers relief on their property tax bills, Rep. Conroy cosponsored Senate Bill 347, which allows property taxes to be calculated beyond three decimal points, assuring assessments are as close to the levy as possible.

“When I am talking to residents at their doors I often hear concerns over high property taxes,” Conroy said. “The continued rise in property taxes has caused some families to lose their homes. With property taxes rising even as property values decline, we need to do everything that we can to provide working families property tax relief and help people stay in their homes.”

In addition to working for tax relief for families in Illinois, Rep. Conroy prioritized legislation that will work to create jobs and help get unemployed residents back to work.  

Conroy supported legislation that requires the State of Illinois to only purchase vehicles that have been manufactured in America.  Currently, the State of Illinois owns more than 300 vehicles that were manufactured overseas. House Bill 3861, invests in American jobs by ensuring that the vehicles used by our State Police and state agencies are assembled here.

Continuing her efforts to get folks back to work, Conroy cosponsored Senate Bill 3306, a revenue neutral bill that gives unemployed workers, that have been let go from their positions after application deadlines for financial aid, the opportunity to apply for funding for job training programs or continued education.

“It is vital that we work towards policy that will help connect unemployed workers with job opportunities or training programs that will help them acquire skills that are in demand in an increasingly competitive job market,” Conroy said. “During my time in office I have toured multiple manufacturing facilities in the district. Oftentimes, the businesses have open positions; however, there is a lack of job applicants with the requisite training. By connecting unemployed workers to job training programs we can begin getting hard-working folks back to work.”

Over the course of the summer, Conroy will continue to walk door to door to seek the input of local residents, as well as host town hall meetings, citizen advisory roundtables, satellite and working family office hours, Coffee Shop Stops, and other district-wide events to assist residents with state issues. For more information on any of these events, legislation, or any other issue facing the state or residents may contact Conroy’s full-time constituent services office at (630) 415-3520, RepDebConroy@gmail.com, or visit her office located at 28 S. Villa Ave. in Villa Park.