Welch, House Democrats Deliver $600 million in Relief for Working Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Major affordability measures championed by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and House Democrats are now delivering tax relief and putting $600 million back in the pockets of nearly one million working families.

“Across Illinois, families are working harder than ever but aren’t getting ahead because Donald Trump’s affordability crisis is robbing them at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and with seemingly every purchase,” Welch said. “No state can end Trump’s war or reverse his tariffs, but when we take charge of the things we can control, we can take steps to help families weather the storm until grown-ups are back in charge in Washington. That’s why Illinois has invested in tax credits that put more money into working families’ pockets, making the system fairer and making every day a little easier.”

Welch and House Democrats led the effort to create a new Child Tax Credit in their state budget in 2024, and then doubled the value of the credit in 2025—helping families raising young children afford the rising cost of childcare, housing, education, and other essentials.

House Democratic budgets also included a permanent increase in the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, providing an additional $100 million in relief for working families.

Together, these credits have provided $1,460 annually to 950,000 Illinois families coping with rising costs from an affordability crisis created by Donald Trump’s tariffs, inflation, and cuts to critical services.