State Representative Maria A. "Toni" Berrios Encourages Illinois Families to Enroll in College Illinois! For Tax Benefits, Better Tuition Inflation Control
January 9, 2008
Chicago, IIL - Representative Maria Berrios is encouraging Illinois parents and grandparents to take advantage of the state’s 529 prepaid tuition program, College Illinois!, to protect themselves from future college tuition inflation and capture a variety of state and federal tax benefits when doing so.
College Illinois! stops tuition inflation by allowing families to lock in a price now to cover future college tuition and fees. College Illinois! benefits keep pace with tuition and fee increases at the state’s public universities (which have averaged 8 percent per year over the last 20 years). Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the program is currently open for enrollment.
"There are numerous advantages for Illinois families who participate in College Illinois!. The program provides an opportunity for families to pay less for their children’s college education, earn attractive tax benefits and maintain the freedom to enroll their children in colleges nationwide," said Representative Berrios.
One tax benefit allows Illinois taxpayers to deduct College Illinois! contributions up to $10,000 per year for individuals: $20,000 for married couples) from their state taxable income. There are other tax advantages to participating in the state-backed, College Illinois! Program, as well. Plan earnings are 100 percent except from state and federal income taxes. Purchasers also enjoy federal gift and estate tax benefits.
Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), The state agency that has managed state student assistance programs for over 50 years, College Illinois! Is a secure college funding option because program benefits do not fluctuate with stock market performance. Families who purchase a College Illinois! plan have a contract with the state that ensures future payment of college tuition and fees no matter how much tuition increases between when the contract is purchased and when the student enrolls in college and starts using benefits.
College Illinois! Media Contact - Susan Wirth
E-mail or Phone: (262) 789-7630, ext.134
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State Representative Honors Area Illinois State Scholars
December 23, 2007
Illinois Representative Maria A. "Toni" Berrios of Chicago today honored fifteen area high school students who were recently named 2008 "Illinois State Scholars" by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state's high school seniors from 711 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and /or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work in conjunction with ISAC to determine the winners.
"I am so proud of these students from our community who earned this prestigious statewide award," said Representative Berrios. "It's a tribute not only to these student who worked so hard, but also their families, teachers, and high school administrators."
"These students personify excellence," said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis, whose agency oversees the Illinois State Scholar Program. "Illinois State Scholars are among the best and the brightest in our state's high schools. WE salute them along with their partners in reaching for the stars-their families and teachers –for this stellar achievement."
Congratulatory letters from ISAC and Certificates of Achievement have been mailed to each high school for distribution to each scholar. While the recognition does not provide a monetary award, winners are encouraged to cite the award on applications for college admission and scholarships.
"Competition for college admission and financial assistance is tough these days, and the Illinois State Scholar recognition give these students an advantage in attending the college of their choice and being able to afford it ads well, "Representative Berrios said.
Representative Berrios also directed high school students and their parents to visit ISAC's website (www.collegzone.com) for more information about available college financial assistance programs. The site also offers career counseling services, a planning timeline, virtual campus tours and online applications.
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IL State Representative Maria A. "Toni" Berrios Selected to Participate in International Exchange to Australia
Political Study Program to Focus on Citizen Diplomacy
Washington, D.C., (Friday September 7, 2007) - Maria A. "Toni" Berrios has been selected by the American Council of Young Political Leader (ACYPL), a bi-partisan, not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Australia for a two week political exchange program beginning on September 14, 2007. She will join six other young political leaders from across the United States to study Australia’s political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships.
"Very few young political leaders ever have the opportunity to be a part of this organization and serve as an ACYPL delegate," said Quentin Lide, ACYPL’s Chief Operating Officer. "Our delegations have access to key leaders in the nations they visit. They engage in dialogue on sensitive issues, gain a unique perspective on the country’s politics and its relations with the US, and forge professional relationships that can last a lifetime."
Maria Berrios will join other delegates, each between the age of 25 and 40, in Washington, D.C. for briefings by the U.S. Department of State and other Australian experts before flying to Melbourne, Australia. The program will provide the delegates opportunities to travel within the country and interact with key local and national leaders, business communities, and civic groups.
"I am honored to have been selected to participate in this ACYPL exchange to Australia," said Maria. "This will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the current political and social dynamics there and help the Australian people better understand the United States."
About the American Council of Young Political Leaders:
Recognized by the U.S. Congress as a pre-eminent catalyst for introducing rising political leaders and policy makers to international affairs and to each other, the American Council of Young political Leaders (ACYPL) is a bi-partisan, not-for-profit international exchange organization based in Washington, DC. Since its founding in 1966, ACYPL has conducted program and exchanges with more than 90 nations, producing a global network of several thousand alumni. Former ACYPL participants include 38 sitting members of the U. S. Congress, 6 sitting U.S. governors and ambassadors, cabinet ministers and parliamentarians around the globe. For more information on ACYPL, please visit http://www.acypl.org.
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BERRIOS: ELECTRIC RATE RELIEF NOW LAW
CHICAGO, IL (August 2007) - State Rep. Maria "Toni" Berrios (D-Chicago) announced on Tuesday that providing customers with relief from high electric rates is now a law for electric companies.
"I am happy to have supported this new law and provide my constituents with a much-needed rate relief," Berrios said. "In my community and in the whole Chicagoland area, I have heard dozens of stories of how local homeowners, elderly persons and college students are paying outrageous electric bills. This new law will make fundamental short-term and long-term reforms that provide financial assistance to ratepayers and create a utility industry with more stability."
Under the new law, ComEd is to receive a lump-sum amount for up to 45 percent of the rate increase paid since January 2007. The credits will be apportioned in through the year 2010 until market rates are phased in. The rate relief law also protects condo owners and residents by making sure the assessment for common areas such as lobbies and laundry rooms will be assessed at a rate no higher than that applied to residential homeowners.
An important part of the new law is the creation of IPA the Illinois Power Agency , an independent agency that will control the purchase of electricity and replace the reverse power auction that led to the current escalated prices.
The Representative said she was very disappointed that the governor waited nearly a month to sign the rate relief package after the legislature approved the measure at the end of July.
"It is regrettable that aside from signing the legislation into law, the governor has had absolutely no involvement in the effort to provide rate relief to Illinois residents. He let others do all of the work," Berrios added. "However, in the end, we have a new law that provides residential and commercial rate relief for working families, low-income individuals, senior citizens and business owners."
Representative Maria Berrios has been at the forefront in protecting consumers from identity theft, predatory lenders, and high utility rates.
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1st ANNUAL WOMEN’S HEALTH FAIR
CHICAGO (June 2007) - State Rep. Maria A."Toni" Berrios (D-Chicago), in partnership with the 39th District Health Committee, hosted the Women’s Wellness and Resource fair in June. The event was free and open to the public, over 200 women had free services administered to them.
"The fair was for everyone but was focused on women’s health; it was especially intended for those who can not afford to see a doctor regularly." Berrios said. "The primary emphasis was on preventative medicine and steps that women can take on a daily basis to improve their level of health overall."
The Women’s Wellness and Resource Fair will be held annually starting this year going forward. There will be an array of social programs and services available, including: free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol; sign-ups for city, county and state health insurance for children, parents and pregnant women; exercise and fitness instruction; and haircuts, makeovers and massages. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to register to vote.
"One of my foremost priorities as a legislator has been to expand access to affordable health care for the residents of our community," Berrios said. "Having health insurance is one part of the equation, but making sure that we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our families healthy is the other part. It’s the things people can do themselves, between doctor visits, that they will learn about if they come to this event."
"The 1st Annual Women’s Health fair was a very successful event and we can’t wait to make it even better next year. I am so happy to know that I could help so many women at one time."
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CITY POLITICIANS GO COUNTRY
Chicago-based reps visit ethanol plant in Lena and Pearl Valley Eggs
By Diana Roemer, The Journal-Standard
Published: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:05 PM CST
Chicago-based Democratic state representatives Maria "Toni" Berrios and Luis Arroyo, center, get a lesson Wednesday on the production of ethanol from area farmer Ron Fluegel, right, at Adkins Energy in Lena. Adkins shareholder and President of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, Ryan Keltner, left, also accompanied the group. Photo provided
LENA - Two Chicago-based state representatives were treated to a tour across northwestern Illinois Wednesday, stopping at an ethanol plant and several farms in order to familiarize themselves with the local economy.
Neither politician had ever seen an ethanol plant, and with new state energy committees now being formed, learning about the conversion of corn to alcohol was a top priority for 3rd District freshman Rep. Luis Arroyo, D-Chicago, who organized the trip.
A highlight was a guided tour of operations at Adkins Energy in Lena.
"Everything was interesting for me because I had never been to an ethanol plant. Now I have learned a lot and I think it's a good company," Arroyo said, adding that he's interested in trying to put an Ethanol plant in Chicago.
Accompanying Arroyo, whose Chief of Staff Kevin Lamm is a native of Rock City, was State Rep. Maria "Toni" Berrios, D-Chicago.
She was interested in region's agricultural focus, given that her grandfather owned a dairy farm in Puerto Rico.
With new committees being formed in Springfield, including an ethanol production oversight committee, a low cost power procurement committee and a biotechnology committee, information from our region that the representatives will take back to their districts is crucial, they said.
Berrios will chair the biotechnology committee, she said.
"Any bills that people want to pass on that subject will be heard in these committees," Berrios said.
Following the tour of the Adkins plant, the group were accompanied by State Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica, as they visited Pearl Valley Eggs, where owners Dave and Tina Thompson familiarized the representatives with their
1.2 million chicken operation.
The group also visited Pearl City-based Hunter Haven Farms, owned by Doug and Thomas Block, where they witnessed a methane digester, a machine that turns cow manure into methane, in operation.
Both legislators said they felt they left the area with a greater understanding of the importance and strides of rural entrepreneurship in the region and said the trip would enable them to have a broader understanding of the issues when such legislation comes up for decision-making.
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