SPRINGFIELD – Legislation focused on providing financial relief to critically wounded veterans and their families received the governor’s signature today. The measure increases the property tax exemption for veterans with severe service related-disabilities in order to make their homes more affordable on their fixed income. The proposal also expands the exemption to include homes donated to veterans by charitable organizations.

“These veterans have already risked their life for our freedom, they shouldn’t be faced with more financial battles when they return home,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D–Tinley Park), the Senate sponsor of the proposal.

The measure ensures that veterans with severe service-related disabilities who receive specially adapted homes from charitable organizations can access a property tax exemption. That exception is already available to disabled veterans who receive homes built with federal dollars.

SPRINGFIELD – A tragic local death first led Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, a Tinley Park Democrat, to begin researching cyberbullying and ways to fight it.

In doing that research, Hastings learned of a heinous form of internet intimidation known as “revenge porn” that slipped through antiquated loopholes in state law.

State Senator Michael Hastings (D–Tinley Park) met with Tinley Park Village officials last Tuesday to announce a $700,000 state investment in the Tinley Park Convention Center. The investment, funded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will allow the village of Tinley Park to make needed improvements to the convention center.

“As Tinley Park grows, so too does the need to make smart investments in our tourism industry,” Hastings said. “The convention center draws thousands of visitors to the area each year who spend money at local shops, restaurants and hotels. It’s a positive catalyst to the local economy.”

The grant will fund a comprehensive marketing plan to promote the convention center and help attract potential business. In addition, the investment will help fund multiple infrastructure improvements, including upgrading telecommunications, expanding network capabilities and increasing Wi-Fi access, resurfacing the parking lot, and installing new lights and structural improvements to the public washrooms.

“These upgrades to the venue will ensure the convention center has the accommodations necessary to attract blue-chip shows, conventions and special events,” Hastings said.

Located just 30 miles south of downtown Chicago, the 120,000-square foot Tinley Park Convention Center is one of the Midwest’s premier meeting and convention destinations.

In an effort to provide financial relief to critically wounded veterans and their families, lawmakers passed legislation to increase the property tax exemption for veterans with severe service related-disabilities. The proposal also expands the exemption to include homes donated to veterans by charitable organizations.

“We have an obligation to care for our wounded veterans, and this update will help protect veterans from unwarranted financial costs due to their injuries,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D–Tinley Park), the Senate sponsor of the proposal.

The measure ensures that veterans with severe service-related disabilities who receive specially adapted homes from charitable organizations can access a property tax exemption. That exception is already available to disabled veterans who receive homes built with federal dollars.

Hastings passed the legislation to prevent veterans who have received donated homes at zero cost from falling victim to foreclosures because they cannot afford property taxes due to their fixed incomes.

“These homes are custom built to match the unique needs of each injured veteran,” Hastings said. “This specific change will help a family in Antioch who received a graciously donated home back in 2012, but have had to deal with an increased tax burden.”

In 2012, after suffering deliberating injuries in Afghanistan, Nick Mapson his wife, Jackie, and their children received keys to a new home in the Newport Cove community at the Chain O’Lakes near Antioch thanks to charitable donors and New American Homes Inc. The family was then hit with an unaffordable tax bill.

The proposal also expanded the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption to the spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty and, to keep pace with rising property values, increases the benefit from $70,000 to $100,000.

Senate Bill 2905 passed both the Illinois House and Senate without opposition and is now awaiting Governor Pat Quinn’s signature.