As Illinois legislators continue to create laws, build a state budget, and get everything done before the end of the 2023 legislative session, YI Midwest has been working to ensure young adults ages 18-34 are a priority for legislators.

Here’s what we’re supporting this legislative session:

College and University Public Benefits Navigators: HB3881 (West)

Students’ basic needs such as housing, transportation, and food, must be addressed to ensure they are able to complete college. By establishing Benefits Navigation Centers on public campuses, public colleges and universities can effectively serve students in need. These centers will serve all students based on their unique needs and must be staffed by trained personnel who will help students navigate applying for public benefits and accessing local resources. Questions? Contact Hannah Keller, Midwest Policy Manager, hannah.keller@younginvincibles.org

A Full and Fair Wage for Tipped Workers: SB0293 (Pacione-Zayas)

All workers in Illinois deserve a living wage. Thousands of young adults take jobs with a sub-minimum wage to support themselves as they attend school or as a second job. For many, this is their entry into the workforce. Lawmakers must ensure that by 2026 the sub-minimum wage is eliminated in Illinois so that all workers receive the wages they earn. Questions? Email Jorge Arteaga, Midwest Program Manager, at jorge.arteaga@younginvincibles.org

Paid Family Medical Leave: SB1234 (Villivalam); HB1530 (Harper)

Employees often need extra support to help manage their work and personal obligations. At some point, nearly everyone needs time to recover from a serious illness, care for a sick loved one, or welcome a new child. But 62% of Illinois families cannot even take the unpaid leave they need without risking their jobs or their economic security. SB1234/HB1530 requires the Department of Employment Security to establish and administer a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program that provides family and medical leave insurance benefits to eligible employees. Questions? Email jorge.arteaga@younginvincibles.org.

Expand Tax Credits For Young Adult Economic Power: SB1444 (Simmons); HB3950 (Evans)

There is a high cost to raising children, and families often have a difficult time managing it. HB3590 and SB1444 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act., creating an income tax credit for parents and those with dependents up to the age of 18. The maximum amount of credit is $700 per qualified dependent of the taxpayer and up to 3 dependents, making $2,100 available for low and medium income households. Creating an Illinois Child Tax Credit is the most immediate, meaningful, and direct tool to help Illinois families with the rising costs of living. Questions? Contact Jorge Arteaga, YI Midwest Program Manager, at jorge.arteaga@younginvincibles.org.

Increase MAP Funding

Students must be able to afford college. Lawmakers must appropriate $100 million additional dollars to the Monetary Award Program (MAP) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). This additional funding would bring the total MAP investment to $701 million and allow nearly all community college students and 40 percent of public university students at or below median income levels to have their tuition and fees fully covered by MAP and Pell grants. Questions? Email hannah.keller@younginvincibles.org.

Fund Campus Mental Health Supports

In the FY23 supplemental budget, lawmakers appropriated funding for the first time ever to implement the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, which sets goals to help public colleges and universities better meet student demand for campus mental health supports. For FY24, lawmakers must fully fund this law. Questions? Contact Lily Rocha, Midwest Regional Director, at lily.rocha@younginvincibles.org.

Bills Young Invincibles Supports  

SB2038 Equal Pay Salary Transparency

SB0075/HB1245 Second Chance State Program

HB3400/SB2420 Illinois Works Job Program Act

HB2300 Illinois Works Job Credit 

SB0291 Secure Jobs Act 

HB2547/SB1908 Warehouse Worker Protection Act

HB2379 Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program