Reitz reminds eligible residents to sign up for circuit breaker program

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Continuing his efforts to expand benefits for Illinois' seniors and disabled citizens, State Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) strongly supports a recently enacted law that expands their prescription drug and property tax relief benefits.

Effective January 1, 2010, House Bill 366 raises the income limitations one must meet to qualify for Illinois Cares Rx, allowing more seniors to qualify and expands the medications available to enrollees. The Circuit Breaker Program is available to seniors age 65 and older who meet the income requirements and anyone who is permanently disabled. Seniors who meet the income qualifications may be eligible for a Circuit Breaker grant of up to $350 for property tax relief, a license plate renewal fee discount and Illinois Cares Rx, which offers coverage for prescription medications.

"The Circuit Breaker Program provides valuable assistance to seniors and disabled citizens and I encourage anyone eligible to apply," said Reitz. "Please feel free to visit my constituent service office for help in determining eligibility or completing the application."

Also last week, Gov. Quinn signed a campaign finance reform bill that was supported by Reitz. The major provisions of Public Act 96-0832 provide for the establishment of contribution limits for all political committees; increasing of reporting requirements to improve transparency; new requirements for compliance with contribution limits and reporting; and the creation of an 11-member Task Force on Campaign Finance Reform to review the reforms.

Reitz represents all or parts of St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph and Perry counties. For more information on the Circuit Breaker Program or Public Act 96-0832, please contact his constituent service office at (618) 443-5757.