Toro appointed to Senate Education, Early Childhood committees

SPRINGFIELD — With her experiences as an early childhood educator for nearly 10 years, State Senator Natalie Toro is proud to offer her insight on the Senate Education and Early Childhood Education committees.

“As an educator, I have seen firsthand the funding disparities between schools and how this impacts our kids’ educational outcomes,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I have also seen the impact of the teacher shortage, with many colleagues unable to afford to live within their current salary.”

In addition to her role on the Senate Education and Early Childhood Education committees, Toro will serve as the vice chair of the Senate Local Government Committee and as a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Senate Appropriations – Education Committee.

Toro was appointed to serve the 20^th Senate District after working as a Chicago Teacher’s Union teacher for kindergarten and third grade. She is a lifelong resident of the district and looks forward to advocating for her community and its educators in the Springfield.

“Like many teachers in our state, I have walked into my classroom and found no supplies for students, and had no other choice but to pay for essential items out of my own pocket. I have also taken on additional jobs just to survive off of a teacher’s salary,” said Toro. “Bringing light to these everyday realities in the Senate will help craft policies that address the day-to-day struggles our educators are facing, which also ensures our kids are getting the best education possible.”

Committee schedules and livestreamed proceedings are available at www.ilga.gov.

• Education
• Committees

Toro encourages educators and parents to use educational tax credits

CHICAGO — As back-to-school season kicks off, State Senator Natalie Toro is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As a former educator for nearly 10 years, I know how difficult it can be for parents and educators to afford necessary school supplies,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “With the cost for these materials on the rise, it is more important than ever for people to be aware of and utilize these tax benefits to help offset the costs of their school supplies.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental, and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental, and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax break for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides for at least 900 hours during a school year. Increasing from last year, they can now claim a credit up to $500 for qualified expenses they paid in the current taxable year. If spouses are both educators and are filing jointly, the maximum credit is $1,000.

“Classroom materials enhance a student’s learning and can be transformative to their experience in the classroom,” said Toro. “However, parents and educators should not have to suffer financially for this. I hope these tax credits will help alleviate some of this financial burden.”

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, visit IDOR's website at tax.illinois.gov.

Policy Roundtable Registration

Do you want to be a part of making legislation to help the 20^th District? Please consider joining our Policy Roundtables. In separate meetings, we will discuss important issues impacting our community, including housing, violence prevention, and education, and offer space for you to voice suggestions and policy recommendations I can bring to Springfield. Let your voice be heard at our upcoming roundtables!

Please sign up for the roundtables you are most interested below:

Housing: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeD4gi7V0jYxH_1mwa8jrqYlfY1P_0YFVCj2yAbzYP1JbFneg/viewform

Violence Prevention: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFGY9CLX68GUcCpAsdJ7P_16TQCuGa1eAPbTqdIgKT7datzQ/viewform

Education: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewh73pJ7N9QxNdmqmGf8Kq1T1935KwpJOsozniSJCK-C2kbA/viewform

• Education
• Constituent involvement
• Policy Roundtable
• Housing
• Violence Prevention

Toro announces over $23 million in evidence-based funding for local schools

CHICAGO – Senator Natalie Toro announced that Chicago Public Schools will receive $23 million in funding to support local schools with recent financial challenges.

“Students throughout Illinois deserve equal opportunity and access to education,” said Toro (D-Chicago). As a former educator, I recognize the importance of investing in strong educational pathways because it ensures successful futures for our young leaders at every milestone. We’re beginning to see vital developments in our classrooms because of the evidence-based funding formula, and I am committed to seeing every student benefit from this line of support.”

Toro was recently selected to serve as the new state senator for the 20^th District. Previously, she served the community as a kindergarten and third grade teacher for nearly 10 years in the Chicago Public Schools system.

• Chicago Public Schools
• Education
• Evidence-Based Funding
• ISBE

Read more: Toro announces over $23 million in evidence-based funding for local schools