Kifowit Takes Oath of Office, Remains Focused on Assisting Illinois' Veterans

AURORA, Ill. – As state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, began a new term today, she remains focused on increasing fiscal responsibility, passing property tax relief and providing additional resources for military veterans and their families.

“I have stepped up to be a part of the process to change the way state government operates, because the people of Illinois are tired of the direction our state has been heading these past two decades,” Kifowit said. “I am committed to making this state great again, and I will work with both Democrats and Republicans on the many pressing issues facing the residents of Illinois.”

During her first term, Kifowit has been a voice for property tax relief and lowering Illinois’ income tax. She helped block an extension of the tax increase last spring and supported efforts to reform Illinois’ pension system. Kifowit sponsored legislation changing the Fox Valley Park District Board of Directors from an appointed board to an elected board to provide area residents an increased voice in their local government.

“What concerns families in my district are property taxes, and homeowners need relief,” Kifowit said. “Many are planning to move out of Illinois because property taxes keep increasing at an unsustainable rate. We must find a way to provide homeowners real relief.”

As the only U.S. Marine serving in the House, Kifowit understands the sacrifices that brave service members have made. Kifowit was alerted to a tragic situation in which disabled veterans were losing the homes donated to them by charity organizations because they were not being given the property tax exemption given to other home-owning veterans and could not afford to pay taxes. To help keep these veterans in their homes, she led an effort to provide veterans property tax relief on their donated property. In addition, this legislation increased the property tax exemption for all veterans from $70,000 to $100,000. Knowing too many veterans are suffering from the psychological effects of war, Kifowit organized legislation last year to create a Veteran Suicide Taskforce to investigate programs to aid those suffering from PTSD and depression.

“Over the past two years, I have fought to improve the treatment that our veterans receive in our state,” Kifowit said. “Our state must live up to the responsibility it owes to these brave men and women and I will continue to be a loud voice for them in the Legislature.”

Kifowit is determined to provide a financial break to Illinois’ struggling families. She will fight to prevent a tax increase on middle class families, work to provide property tax relief for homeowners, and oppose proposals that reduce funding to local school districts.

Residents will also be able to attend Kifowit’s many free events throughout the year including, her ‘Coffees with Kifowit’ and her Third Thursday Speaker Series where she will continue working to connect area residents with experts and resources that can save them money and provide useful information on state programs and services. In addition, Kifowit has formed a Citizen Advisory Council to gain input from community members.

“Advocating for the hardworking families of my district is an honor I do not take lightly, and it is a true honor to serve as an advocate for my area in Springfield,” Kifowit said. “I look forward to meeting with many families in the coming months as I go door-to-door, at my weekly coffees, and during my Third Thursday Speaker Series. If you have any ideas for potential legislation or if you are in need of assistance with state government, I encourage you to contact me.”

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office by phone at 630-585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.