SPRINGFIELD – In the 6 months since the tragic mass shooting at the Highland Park community 4^th of July parade, State Senator Laura Fine has been fighting for a statewide assault weapons ban; and she is proud to report that an assault weapons ban passed the Senate on January 9, 2023.

“As a member of the community neighboring Highland Park, I know firsthand how devastating the shooting was for our neighbors,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We cannot stand idle as assault weapons continue to be used for violence.”

If signed by the governor, House Bill 5471 would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from being manufactured or sold in Illinois.

Studies show that approximately one-third of public mass shooting events include the use of an assault weapon, and nearly 40% involve a high-capacity magazine. When an assault weapon and/or a high-capacity magazine is used in a public mass shooting, nearly 14 times as many people are injured, and twice as many people are killed. Not only are there more injuries when assault weapons are used, but the types of injuries are far worse.

The 4th of July shooting punctuated a six-week period in which mass shooters using semi-automatic weapons killed more than 40 people in Buffalo, New York; Uvalde, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Highland Park combined. 

“The tragedy of the Highland Park shooting will always be with me,” Fine said. “It is long past time that we act and ban assault weapons so no other communities will have to experience this trauma.”

House Bill 5471 passed the Senate on January 9, 2023. It now goes to the House for further consideration. 

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—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.