Aquino stands up for women’s reproductive rights

CHICAGO – Following the news of the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While we knew this day was coming, I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for the devastating impact of this attack on women’s reproductive rights. I am appalled, but not shocked.

“This decision is a severe infringement on the civil liberties of our nation’s women, and even worse, this opens the door to further attacks on the civil liberties of us all. I stand with fellow leaders to continue the fight for reproductive rights in Illinois and beyond.”

Aquino law to help health care professionals serve state residents

Aquino, Senate Democrats, introduce tax relief plan to ease pain caused by inflation, COVID-19

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) joined Senate Democratic colleagues to introduce a plan that provides tax refunds worth $1.8 billion to benefit most Illinoisans. The Pay It Forward Plan includes provisions to expand the state’s earned income tax credit (EIC) to support low-income families and includes people who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN.)

“The earned income tax credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty policies to help low-to-moderate-income families out of poverty through promoting work and expanding economic security,” Aquino said. “We are signaling to the most at-risk communities that we have not forgotten about them. It’s the working families in all corners of our state facing the struggles.”

Aquino’s measure is part of a comprehensive approach led by the Senate Democrats to ease the impact of high inflation and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislative package includes temporarily eliminating state taxes on back-to-school shopping and stopping higher gas taxes, expanding the earned income tax credit, and property tax refunds statewide.

Senator Aquino’s provision of the package will increase the state’s earned income tax credit to 19% of the federal earned income tax credit. It also expands the credit to those who use an ITIN to file taxes and taxpayers aged 18-24 and 65, and older who would otherwise qualify for the federal earned income tax credit.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1150, was filed in the Senate and is expected to be voted on in the coming days.

Aquino moves to prevent driver's license suspensions for unpaid fines

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers would no longer lose their licenses over unpaid tickets and other non-moving violations under a bill introduced by State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) that was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.

“For years the City of Chicago has preyed on low-income black and Hispanic communities by coercing them with the threat of having their license suspended,” said Aquino. “In 2016, the city made $264 million by taking what little money that our low-income residents have. I cannot stand by while my city balances its budget on the backs of black and brown communities.”

According to data analysis done by ProPublica Illinois, 44 percent of license suspensions issued were to residents in black communities and 54 percent of license suspensions issued were to residents in low-income communities.

Senate Bill 1786 would remove the Secretary of State’s authority to suspend or revoke licenses for failure to pay certain fees including parking tickets and non-moving violations.

“Without reliable public transportation, you can’t realistically expect someone who has accrued fees to pay them if you take away their ability to drive,” said Aquino. “That just threatens the livelihood of those who live in rural areas without public transportation. The current practice is just another way to punish people for being poor.”

Senate Bill 1786 is scheduled for consideration before the full Senate.