Press Release
ESIL Praises Governor Pritzker’s Investments in Tax Relief for Families
02. 19. 2025
Newly Expanded Child Tax Credit will Provide $600 in Relief to Eligible Families
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SPRINGFIELD, IL – In response to Governor Pritzker including a Child Tax Credit expansion and continued investment in the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit in his 2026 budget proposal, Economic Security Illinois Director Sarah Saheb released the following statement:
“As the ability of government to deliver for working people is under threat in Washington, we are grateful to Governor Pritzker for continuing to invest in working families here in Illinois,” said ESIL Director Sarah Saheb. “The expansion of the Child Tax Credit will deliver up to $600 to hundreds of thousands of families raising young children across the state. With the state’s continued investments in the Earned Income Tax Credit, we’re putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of working families, creating new economic opportunities and boosting local economies. At Economic Security Illinois, we know that empowering families with the resources to invest in themselves pays dividends in the broader economy, and we look forward to building on our progress this legislative session.”
BACKGROUND:
Child Tax Credit (CTC): Following a robust advocacy campaign from ESIL and its partners, the state’s first-ever Child Tax Credit was created in last year’s state budget. The first year of the credit provides up to $300 to eligible families with $50 million in funding. This year’s budget delivers on a promise to scale up the program to a $600 credit with $100 million in funding in the coming year. Families at or below median income with at least one child age 12 and under are eligible for the program.
Earned Income Credit (EIC): This year’s budget continues to invest in the state EITC. For most Illinoisans earning approximately $70,000 or less, this will put hundreds of additional dollars back in their pockets, with a maximum state credit of approximately $1,600 depending on income level and dependents. Economic Security Illinois led a coalition in 2022 that successfully expanded the EITC to nearly 1 million Illinoisans who were previously ineligible due to age or immigration status and increased the credit for all eligible Illinoisans. All Illinoisans otherwise eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are also eligible to receive this additional credit via the state.
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Economic Security Illinois is an affiliate of Economic Security Project. Economic Security Project mobilizes resources and people behind ideas that build economic power for all Americans. As an ideas advocacy organization, we legitimize our issues by supporting cutting edge research and elevating champions, win concrete policy victories for the communities that need to see change now, and provoke the conventional wisdom to shift what’s considered possible. Our team of academics, organizers, practitioners and culture makers disburse grants, run issue campaigns, develop creative interventions and research products to support the field, and coordinate events to encourage investment and action from others.