State Representative Kay Hatcher has filed House Bill 4803, which would add Habitat for Humanity of Illinois to the Illinois income tax form Schedule G (charitable contributions). This is called a tax check-off. These donations will be distributed to Illinois Habitat affiliates through Habitat Illinois.

If the bill is passed Habitat for Humanity of Illinois will appear on the 2010 tax forms, generating funds for 2011. A taxpayer would then be able to designate a donation of any size, which is deducted from his refund or added to the tax due. There are currently 10 charities included in this program. To view the list, visit this link: http://tax.illinois.gov/TaxForms/IncmCurrentYear/Individual/Schedule-G.pdf

Now we need your help! We’re asking all Habitat supports to contact their local state representative, asking him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor to HB4803. Our goal is to secure at least 15 co-sponsors, both Republicans and Democrats. The more, the better! The more sponsors we have, the more seriously the decision committee will consider this piece of legislation.

The process is so very simple: the legislator fills out a slip of paper & submits it. The process only takes 5 minutes.

Please make calls and send letters to both your state representative’s district office and Springfield office. (We’re not contacting state senators yet.)

To determine your state representative and to find his/her contact information, go to this site, click on the tab “ByZip+4”, and enter your 9-digit zip code.

Click on your state representative’s name, and it will bring up both office locations and contact info.

Click here for a sample letter that can be sent. But please remember, you thoughts and your feelings are what is most important!