Coffey’s Legislation Strengthens the Republicans “Relief for Working Families” Legislative Package
Springfield, IL…State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) is an advocate of skilled trade workers in Illinois and is taking action to create more jobs that would boost the economy. House Bill 1729 creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act. Taxpayers who make contributions to scholarships that help students excel in technical schools would be eligible for income tax credits.
“The purpose of this bill is to entice individuals to learn a skilled trade so they can have a good paying job in Illinois and help contribute to growing our economy,” said Rep. Coffey. “Contractors in Illinois are struggling due to the lack of qualified specialized trade workers to fill the pool in a major industry, and this bill would help fill the gaps between the state-mandated labor requirements and workforce availability.”
This bill requires the Department of Revenue to award income tax credits to taxpayers who make contributions to scholarships for eligible students who attend technical academies, including LLCC. The program will be administered by both the State Board of Education and Department of Revenue.
HB1729 is part of the House Republicans “Relief for Working Families Legislative Package”. The mission is to support hard-working families in Illinois with tax relief and to create new jobs that will grow the economy. The bill package includes:
- HB 3812 – Davidsmeyer – Professional license fee waiver for people who make less than $50k the year prior to their renewal
- HB 1729 – Coffey – Tax credit for tech schools and community colleges that have tech programs
- HB 3807 – Schmidt – Creates the I-TRADE Grant for community college students in trades-related job fields
- HB 1351 – Moore – Encourage the elimination of all first-year business fees related to licensure or registration of new business
- HB 1752 – Stephens – Creates tax credit for employers that help employees with tuition reimbursement
- HB 3821 – Spain – Increases education expense credit to $1,500 (from $750)
- HB 1383 – Spain – Income tax deduction for gratuities – “No tax on tips”
- HB 1112 – Davis – Allows skilled trade workers to teach courses in manufacturing, engineering, technology or trades (METT), even if they don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
For more information contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org.
Representative Mike Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th House District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties.
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