Hello Stephanie,

Winter is certainly upon us with force and it is important that you stay warm and safe amidst the recent wintry weather in our area. I want to thank all the hard working street crews that are keeping our streets plowed, our police officers and firefighters for keeping community safe and helping stranded motorists, and all the other hard working employees who are working in this difficult weather.

If you have to go out in the snowy conditions, I want to remind you of an important website to stay updated on road conditions throughout the state. Visit GettingAroundIllinois.com for real-time information and updates. Remember, safety is our top priority, and the Illinois Department of Transportation advises against unnecessary trips during winter weather.

Looking ahead, next week marks the beginning of the General Assembly's spring legislative session, starting on January 16. I will continue to keep you up to date on the Legislative Session through emails such as this, and on our social media sites.

Additionally, on Monday, let's take a moment to observe the annual King Holiday, celebrating the life, legacy, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In today's challenging landscape, Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence remains an urgent necessity as we strive for unity and understanding.

Wishing you a warm and safe weekend,

P.S. Read all the way to the bottom to participate in this week's Trivia Challenge!

Tuesday was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and I want to take a moment to honor the men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Thank you for your heroic and dedicated service today and every day!

On Thursday our office #WoreBlue for the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2024 is Activate Connections to Prevent Human Trafficking.

Human trafficking cannot be prevented by any one individual, community, organization, or government. To improve the lives of those we serve, we must activate connections throughout the systems that impact individual, family, community, and societal health and well-being. Visit OTIP’s website throughout January for news, resources, and events.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep Illinois residents safe through initiatives that assist households with energy costs.

LIHEAP provides assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

Applications opened to the general public on Dec 1st. Eligibility requirements and applications can be found at dceo.illinois.gov

The Oswego Police Department is announcing that sign up is now open for its next Citizens Police Academy beginning Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

The Academy is free and open to eligible applicants who are at least 18 years of age, and reside in, own property, or operate a business within the Village. Classes run for 13 weeks and are held Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Oswego Police Headquarters. Class size will be a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 20.

This free program is designed to promote better communication between Village citizens and the police department by fostering a better understanding of the needs of law enforcement and the community. An application may be picked up at the Oswego Police Headquarters or completed online at www.oswegoil.org/cpa.

Women in Law Enforcement: The Illinois State Police is hiring. Visit www.Illinoistrooper.com for more information.

(1) YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDITS, such as the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit, and the Property Tax Credit

New this year, the (EITC) has been increased and expanded to include those who are:

• 18-25 years of age and older and 65 and older without a qualifying child, and
• filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or have children with an ITIN.

The Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit  is a $500 non-refundable tax credit given to volunteer fire emergency workers who qualify, apply, and are awarded the credit.

(2) FILE ONLINE: MyTax Illinois, IDOR’s free online account management program, has been enhanced and allows taxpayers to file returns, make payments, respond to department inquiries, check the status of their refunds, and more.

Individuals may also choose to file using tax-prep software, a tax professional, or the paper Form IL-1040.

(3) BE AWARE OF CHANGES to the 2023 Form IL-1040, Illinois Individual Income Tax Return, and Schedules:

• The 2023 personal exemption amount is $2,425.
• The original due date for filing the 2023 Form IL-1040 and paying the 2023 individual income tax liability is April 15, 2024.
• The extended due date for filing a return is October 15, 2024.

(4) TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE taxpayers may call 1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336. 

Free language assistance for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals is available. 

For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2023 tax season, please visit IDOR's website at: tax.illinois.gov

(5) EXPECTING A REFUND: Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds.

If taxpayers electronically file an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks.

Read more tips here

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

The Village of Montgomery was originally called "Graytown", named after founder Daniel Gray (Read all about it here!)

THIS WEEK's QUESTIONS:

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Michelle@ILDistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308.