State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
Illinois House Republicans have introduced a series of legislative measures aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors across the state. Representatives Ryan Spain, Jeff Keicher, Kevin Schmidt, and other legislators have championed bills addressing key issues affecting older adults, from healthcare and housing to financial stability and driver safety.
Rep. Ryan Spain has been a vocal advocate for seniors, focusing on property tax relief, increased access to transportation, safeguarding retirement benefits, and protection against exploitation. He sponsored or co-sponsored several pieces of legislation:
- SB2936 (Spain): Abates property taxes on renovated multi-unit residential housing.
- SB275 (Spain): Extends driver’s license renewals to every eight years for senior drivers.
- HB4072 (Meier): Eases caregiver check-in requirements to allow continuous care without interruptions.
- HB5027 (Spain, chief co-sponsor): Increases funding for mental health services for seniors.
“Our seniors have given so much to our communities, and it’s our duty to ensure they’re protected and supported,” said Rep. Spain. “We’re committed to passing legislation that makes a real difference in their lives.”
Rep. Jeff Keicher has focused on older drivers' issues with his proposed bill:
- HB4431 (Keicher): Challenges the mandate requiring drivers aged 75 and older to retake a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their licenses.
“Seniors deserve to live with the respect and dignity they’ve earned,” Rep. Keicher said.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt has also sponsored several key pieces of legislation aimed at improving financial and healthcare security for Illinois seniors:
- HB1074 (Reick) & HB1274 (Elik): Increase income limitations for the senior citizens assessment freeze.
- HB3538 (Grant): Provides property tax relief for veterans.
- HB1219 (Schmidt): Allows deduction of Medicare premiums from annual household income.
- HB2188 (McLaughlin, chief co-sponsor): Shifts Medicaid fraud investigations responsibility from Illinois State Police to the Attorney General's Office.
- HB2336 (Sosnowski): Reduces taxes on food and groceries.
- HB4178 (Davis): Reimburses legally responsible family members providing personal care or home health aide services.
- SB3476 (Elik, chief co-sponsor): Creates sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals under Medicare or Medicaid programs.
“Supporting our seniors isn’t just about policy—it’s about recognizing their invaluable contributions,” Rep Schmidt said.
The representatives also support HR24, opposing any taxation on retirement income.
Other notable senior-focused legislation includes:
- HB2094 (Sanalitro), Mortgage Marketing Consumer Protection Act: Protects homeowners from deceptive mortgage refinancing advertisements.
- HB3202 (Sanalitro): Mandates coverage for medically necessary at-home saliva cancer screenings every two years for seniors.
- HB3172 (Hammond): Removes barriers for sliding-scale insulin administration in assisted living establishments.
House Republicans' collective efforts reflect a commitment to protecting the rights, health, and financial well-being of older adults in Illinois.
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