SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — As another round of utility bills arrives in the mail, a Central Illinois lawmaker has filed legislation to provide more relief for people struggling to get by.
Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) told WAND News it is unacceptable that working and middle class families are left with virtually no option for relief while energy costs continue to rise.
Turner's bill could create a home utility rebate program for families who earn too much to qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program but are still hurt by rising energy costs. The proposal calls for rebates to households between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines.
"This is for people that can't afford the bills, but yet they don't have any state help," Turner said.
Her plan would create a $500 million rebate fund that the state could use during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any remaining funds would also be available for qualified first-time small business owners.Â
Turner said this idea is about fairness and allowing families who do not qualify for low-income assistance to have a lifeline.
"Some of them aren't even paying their utility bills because they can't afford it," Turner said. "It's either food and medicine or I pay my electric bill. So, it's up to us to figure out ways, and this is just one way to help people in the lower middle class pay their bills."
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would oversee and implement the program and set rules and qualifications to ensure rebates are sent out quickly and efficiently.
Turner noted that this should gain bipartisan support since Democrats and Republicans know the rate hikes are impacting everyone regardless of political beliefs.
"I'm in the super-minority, and those bills don't always get called," Turner said. "What I can do is work across the aisle and talk to them, and say I think this would really be a great fit. I think this is something we could do for all Illinoisans."
Turner hopes senators could discuss her bill when they return to Springfield for the veto session next month.Â
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