State Sen. Seth Lewis is co-sponsoring a bill that would double Illinois' residential property tax credit from 5% to 10%.

Lewis, a Republican who represents Hinsdale in the 24th Senate District, announced his support for Senate Bill 3868 in a Capitol Report newsletter published Sept. 30. The bill would apply the higher credit to qualifying taxes paid on a taxpayer's principal residence.

Sen. John F. Curran filed SB 3868 on Feb. 6. Lewis signed on as co-sponsor Sept. 21, according to Illinois General Assembly records. The bill was re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee on May 22 and has not advanced to a vote.

Lewis is also co-sponsoring SB 3959, the "Welcome Home Illinois" credit, which would give eligible first-time homebuyers a $500 state income tax credit. That bill sits in Assignments as well, with no hearing scheduled.

A third measure, SB 3849, would index the General Homestead Exemption's maximum reduction amount to the Consumer Price Index for tax years 2027 and after. A fourth bill, SB 4029, would tie the income eligibility limit for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze to inflation, keeping seniors from losing the exemption solely because of rising costs.

"The affordability challenges surrounding homeownership do not stop once someone receives the keys," Lewis said in the newsletter. "Property taxes, insurance, utilities, and other household expenses can continue putting pressure on family budgets long after a home is purchased."

The broader package Lewis outlined includes bills to exempt diapers from sales tax, cut the motor fuel sales tax rate to 1.25%, expand childcare tax relief for employers and families, and create income tax deductions for tips and overtime wages.

None of the bills have passed either chamber.

Energy assistance opens Oct. 1 for DuPage seniors and families

Separately, Lewis flagged that the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens Thursday, Oct. 1, for priority applicants. Seniors 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with children 5 and under, and households facing utility disconnection can apply first.

All other income-eligible households may apply starting Nov. 1.

DuPage County Community Services administers the program locally. Residents can schedule an appointment by calling 630-407-6500 or 800-942-9412. Applications are taken at 421 N. County Farm Road, Third Floor, Wheaton, and at several township offices across the county.

Income limits are set at 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. For a household of four, the monthly gross income cap is $8,250. A single-person household must earn $3,990 or less per month.

LIHEAP provides a one-time benefit to help with energy bills or reconnection. Homeowners with a broken furnace may also qualify for free repairs. Applications run through Aug. 13, 2027, or until funding runs out.

Lewis's district office is at 994 W. Army Trail Road in Carol Stream. Residents can reach it at 630-349-0645.