Galesburg Reporter

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Mount Sterling) recently gave a thank you to essential workers who are continuing to provide services to Illinois residents, as well as other updates related to the COVID-19 crisis.

“We rely on you to provide access to daily essentials,” Tracy said in a post thanking grocery store, gas station and pharmacy employees.

Tracy also reminded Illinois residents that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has extended the filing deadline for state income tax to July 15. The filing extension was made in order to bring state filing requirements in line with the extended federal deadline.

The state Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to Pritzker on March 25 requesting an extension to the filing deadline. Pritzker announced the extension that afternoon.

The Illinois Department of Revenue will still process tax refunds for filings completed before the July 15 deadline.

In a letter to Pritzker, the caucus commended the governor’s office for work done so far to address the COVID-19 crisis and recommended the deadline extension.

“As noted in our letter to Gov. Pritzker, delaying the state income tax return to July 15 will help residents maintain the recommended social-distancing practices while also providing some liquidity to those who need it most,” reads the announcement on Tracy’s website. “This simple act will make a big difference in the lives of residents throughout Illinois.”

Tracy also reminded Illinois residents of the importance of completing the U.S. Census. Information from the census results will play a role in how federal monies are appropriated to different states and can even alter representation in Congress.

Even while under stay-at-home guidelines, Illinois residents can complete the census at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

“The Census determines how billions in federal dollars are distributed to communities throughout the nation, “ reads the announcement on Tracy’s website. “Take 10 minutes out of your day to fill out the census!”