Illinois House Republicans continue to step up to protect and support the senior community through a series of legislative efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors across the state. Representatives Ryan Spain, Jeff Keicher, Kevin Schmidt and other House Republican legislators have introduced and championed bills that address key issues affecting older adults, from healthcare and housing to financial stability and driver safety.
Rep. Ryan Spain has long been a vocal advocate for seniors. He has championed property tax relief, increasing access to transportation, safeguarding retirement benefits and protecting against exploitation. He sponsored or co-sponsored the following pieces of legislation and supported numerous others you will read about below.
- SB2936 (Spain): Landmark legislation to abate property taxes on renovated multi-unit residential housing.
- SB275 (Spain): Extends driver’s license renewals to every eight years to ease the burden on senior drivers.
- HB4072 (Meier): Removes the need for caregivers to follow overly strict check-in requirements, making it easier for them to focus on providing continuous care without unnecessary interruptions.
- HB5027 (Spain, chief-cosponsor): This bill boosts funding for mental health services, providing seniors with better access to the support they need. This means more counseling and mental health programs to help seniors stay emotionally healthy and connected.
“Our seniors have given so much to our communities, and it’s our duty to ensure they’re protected and supported,” said Rep. Spain. “We’re committed to passing legislation that makes a real difference in their lives, from healthcare to financial security.”
Beyond supporting legislation, Rep. Spain is also committed to educating seniors and their caregivers about navigating the complexities of Medicare through his “Medicare 101” events. These sessions are designed to empower seniors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Rep. Jeff Keicher has taken a stand on a critical issue affecting older drivers in Illinois. His proposed legislation:
- HB4431 (Keicher): This bill challenges the unique Illinois mandate requiring drivers aged 75 and older to retake a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their driver’s license. Rep. Keicher argues that driving tests should be based on individual driving history and overall physical and mental fitness rather than age alone. This change ensures that senior drivers are treated fairly and are not subjected to unnecessary retesting solely based on their age.
“Seniors deserve to live with the respect and dignity they’ve earned,” Rep. Keicher said. “Our focus is on ensuring they have the resources and support they need to enjoy their golden years without unnecessary burdens.”
In addition to his legislative efforts, Rep. Keicher has also held numerous events for seniors, including fraud protection events and an annual Valentine’s for Seniors drive.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt has sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation aimed at improving the financial and healthcare security of Illinois seniors, by reducing property taxes, lowering the cost of groceries, protecting retirement income and fighting financial exploitation.
- HB1074 (Reick) and HB1274 (Elik): These bills work together to increase the maximum income limitation for the senior citizens assessment freeze to $75,000 and standardize the homestead exemption to $8,000 across all counties. These changes will provide significant relief to seniors facing the rising costs of property taxes.
- HB3538 (Grant): Provides property tax relief for veterans.
- HB1219 (Schmidt): This bill allows seniors to deduct Medicare premiums from their annual household income, helping them qualify for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. This adjustment makes it easier for seniors to benefit from tax relief programs.
- HB2188 (McLaughlin, chief-cosponsor): To streamline processes and improve efficiency, this bill shifts the responsibility of investigating Medicaid fraud from the Illinois State Police to the Office of the Attorney General. This change is designed to ensure quicker and more effective investigations, ultimately protecting seniors from fraud.
- HB2336 (Sosnowski): Lowers the cost of food and groceries by reducing taxes.
- HB4178 (Davis): Recognizing the vital role that family caregivers play, this bill allows legally responsible family members to be reimbursed for providing personal care or home health aide services. This support acknowledges the sacrifices made by family caregivers and helps ease the financial strain of caring for a loved one.
- SB3476 (Elik, chief-cosponsor): This legislation creates a sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals, such as Meals on Wheels providers, when payment is made by an intermediary as part of a Medicare or Medicaid program.
“Supporting our seniors isn’t just about policy—it’s about recognizing their invaluable contributions and making sure they can live comfortably and securely,” Rep Schmidt said. “We’re here to stand with them, advocating for their well-being every step of the way.”
Rep. Schmidt has also held a Senior Fraud protection event and is a regular visitor of senior living facilities in his district.
Reps. Keicher, Spain & Schmidt have also shown strong support for protecting seniors’ financial stability by advocating for HR24, a resolution that opposes any taxation on retirement income. This resolution aligns with his commitment to easing the financial burdens on seniors, allowing them to enjoy their retirement without additional tax pressures.
Together, House Republicans are championing legislation that directly addresses the needs of Illinois seniors. Their collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to protecting the rights, health, and financial well-being of older adults, ensuring that they receive the respect and care they deserve in their golden years.
Here are a few more senior-focused pieces of legislation introduced by House Republicans in 2024 that you should know about:
- HB2094 (Sanalitro): Mortgage Marketing Consumer Protection Act.This bill aims to protect homeowners, especially seniors who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of home buying, from being misled by deceptive mortgage refinancing advertisements. These ads often come from companies unaffiliated with the homeowner’s lender, leading to confusion and potential financial harm.
- HB3202 (Sanalitro): Recognizing the importance of early cancer detection, this bill mandates coverage for medically necessary at-home saliva cancer screenings every two years for seniors and those at high risk. Early detection can be a lifesaver, and this bill makes it easier for seniors to access vital health screenings.
- HB3172 (Hammond): This legislation removes barriers for seniors needing sliding-scale insulin administration to be accepted into assisted living establishments. By allowing insulin administration to be performed by either the individual or a licensed healthcare professional, this bill ensures that seniors requiring this care can still access the supportive environments they need.