Sandra Pihos - Illinois State Representative

Welcome!

Residents of the 48th Illinois Representative District - As your full-time representative, now in my 6th term, I pledge to provide high quality administration with integrity during my tenure.

I am honored to serve the people of the 48th District, and the State of Illinois! My continuing focus is on platform issues of Education, Security, Seniors, Fiscal Responsibility, and Transportation.

My Calendar

I sponsor multiple events through-out the year to serve the interests and needs of my constituents.

The scheduled activities are open to all who have an interest in learning about state issues and available community resources.

View the event calendar

General Assembly

I've linked to the Illinois General Assembly webpage that contains information about my committee membership and my sponsorship of bills over the last 10+ years.

I invite you to contact me about any legislative or policy topic. Your input is always appreciated.

Visit the General Assembly Website.

News Flash

College Affordability Legislation and Other Information

(posted 6/15/2013)- On Tuesday, June 11th, a package of legislation was unveiled designed to make college more affordable for middle-class Illinois families. As a former teacher and high school guidance counselor, I was excited about the opportunity to be a chief co-sponsor of these bills. Too many students have not been able to achieve their full potential because educational opportunities have not been made available to them. Preparing young people for the workforce of tomorrow is the key to building a stronger Illinois. Rising tuition costs in Illinois have led to a situation where college is now out of reach for many Illinois residents. If approved, these bills will help many students receive an affordable college education so they can enhance their career opportunities. By investing in our students, we are investing in the future of our communities.

One of the bills would create a $1,000 tax credit to help middle class families pay for college expenses at an Illinois accredited college or university. The credit would accrue for each semester that the student is supported by the eligible taxpayer. To receive the credit, the family or the student must attend a MAP-approved Illinois institution on at least a half-time basis with tuition and fees greater than $1,000. Students must also be Illinois residents and the family must have an adjusted gross income of less than $150,000. Those already receiving Illinois MAP grants would not qualify. This tax credit is available to students at any stage of their higher education studies. It is a benefit that brings Illinois in line with Indiana and Vermont, which already offer very similar tax credits to their middle-class families.

The bill package also includes legislation that unlocks the limited tax deduction rights currently granted to Illinoisans who are saving for their children’s college education. Currently in Illinois, this upfront deduction is only offered to contributors in a state administered college plan. Through this legislation, private-sector 529 programs, including programs operated by respected financial institutions that are based outside of Illinois, would be eligible for this upfront deduction. With 31 other states already offering some sort of upfront individual income tax deduction for contributions to 529 plans, Illinois needs to offer its citizens a comparable benefit. The proposal will make the upfront Illinois individual income tax deduction accessible to all families who are saving under the umbrella of an approved 529 savings program for up to $10,000 of annual contributions made by the taxpayer.

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