Following the sudden death of State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

"I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the sudden passing of my colleague, Sen. Scott Bennett. He was a remarkable public servant and his constituents could not have asked for a more dedicated Senator. My heart goes out to his family who are dealing with the loss of a devoted husband and father. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing."

GLENVIEW – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senators Laura Fine and Julie Morrison.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Glenview Public Library, located at 1930 Glenview Rd. The workshop will take place in the Community Room East.

"As the property tax appeals process is complex, I appreciate Commissioner Cabonargi’s office for hosting this workshop," Fine said "I am hopeful this workshop will provide residents with useful insight to help them navigate the appeals process."  

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

GLENVIEW – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Fine is reminding residents of available resources for survivors of domestic violence while working to educate more people on what constitutes domestic violence and abuse.

“Domestic violence has long-lasting impacts on the mental and physical health of survivors,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to support survivors in their journey of recovery and educate about  what healthy relationships look like to encourage people to model these standards—and be able to recognize when a relationship is turning dangerous.”

Since 1989, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and has become a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and victims. Although progress has been made to reduce domestic violence, the statistics are still staggering, with 1 and 3 women and 1 in 7 men becoming victims of domestic violence throughout their lives.

“It is heartbreaking that domestic violence is still common in our society,” Fine said. “Supporting survivors is essential for their recovery, but we must also continue working to ensure no one else becomes a victim. This requires increasing the ways we educate young people about healthy relationships—as well as what to do if people notice their friends or loved ones exhibiting concerning behavior—and how to intercept.”

To learn more about the warning signs of domestic abuse, what healthy relationships look like, and how to support survivors of domestic violence, see the links below:

• Warning signs of domestic abuse
• Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
• How to support survivors

Sen. Fine will be participating in a panel on Domestic Violence Awareness with Sen. Villivalam on Saturday, October 21st, from 12-1:30pm at the Lincolnwood Library.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788. Illinois residents may also call 877-863-6338 to reach the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline.

GLENVIEW—If you filed 2021 Illinois taxes, you may be eligible for an additional income tax or property tax rebate in the coming weeks thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan supported by State Senator Laura Fine.

“Hard working people across the state are struggling to keep up with an increased cost of living,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “The comprehensive plan we passed in the Senate will provide some relief to people across the state.”

Earlier this year, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. 

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive an additional property tax and/or income tax rebate. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.  

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly– are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes. People who have already filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting as early as this week.  

“Illinois families should not have to face these economic difficulties alone,” Fine said. “I am committed to supporting our neighbors during this time. These rebates will help people with everyday expenses, like gas and groceries—which will provide assistance to those struggling with their finances right now.” 

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.