PRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, finished the spring legislative session by securing a new child tax credit, fighting for a more equitable future and devoting major funding to public education.

“Our spending needs to focus on moving Illinois forward in fiscal and social responsibility,” Meyers-Martin said. “Initiatives to better serve our communities with affordable healthcare and education are part of promoting economic security and growth for all. A new child tax credit will help working families pay their bills and cutting $1 billion in medical debt removes a serious financial burden that can financially drag patients down for years.”

Budget expansions Meyers-Martin worked for include $4 million to lower maternal mortality rates by funding new birthing centers. Other community care services will include more in-home assistance for senior citizens. Meyers-Martin also worked to put $350 million in evidence-based funding into public school classrooms, on top of the over $1 billion in the past four years, as well as a new $50 million child tax credit that will put more money in the pockets of modest-income families.

“I’m proud of this session in the General Assembly, which was productive in creating new protections and preventative measures to build a more equitable Illinois,” Meyers-Martin said. “Noise pollution has been a constant source of frustration in my community, and communities across Illinois, and I’m proud to say that steps taken in past months will put a stop to that nuisance for thousands of people. We are also going to put more effort into looking at inequality in our business community so steps to combat bias and injustice it can be well-informed.”

Meyers-Martin sponsored House Bill 5232, combating racial discrimination through funding new research. In addition, Meyers-Martin also co-sponsored Senate Bill 3175 which will promote geographic equity in allowing highway noise suppression efforts, improving the lives of people across the state affected by noise pollution.