Metro East Sun

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt has announced his support for Senate Bill 642, which aims to provide property tax relief for seniors. The legislation increases the maximum income limitation for the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 starting in 2026. This change is expected to allow more seniors to qualify for the exemption and prevent increases in their property's equalized assessed value as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

"This is a bill that will make a difference by reducing property taxes and I’m proud to have supported legislation that helps our seniors in Illinois!" Schmidt said.

Additional information about SB642 can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=642…

Schmidt also highlighted recent grant awards from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), managed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. The grants are intended to help 11 historical records repositories across Illinois digitize and preserve archival materials documenting the state's cultural heritage. Two of these grants were awarded within Schmidt’s 114th District:

- Mascoutah Public Library received $1,755 for its Local History & Genealogy Digitization project.

- Millstadt Historical Society was granted $1,162 to digitize records related to Millstadt’s Liederkranz, a historic community organization.

The ISHRAB grants are funded through a State Board Programming Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). Since 2010, ISHRAB has distributed 144 grants across 34 counties in Illinois.

Schmidt expressed concern about state funding priorities, criticizing what he described as a bailout for Chicago's mass transit system at the expense of downstate road and bridge projects.

He also met with veterinarian Michelle Gundlach to discuss potential legislation affecting veterinary care.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for an upcoming Mobile DMV event providing basic vehicle services through the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. Details can be found at https://repschmidt.com/event/mobile-dmv/.

Ahead of Veterans Day, Schmidt called on constituents to honor those who have served in America’s Armed Forces. He reminded veterans and their families that resources are available through state programs and encouraged them to contact his office at (618)-215-1050 for assistance.

Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 114th House District in 2023, succeeding LaToya Greenwood.