SPRINGFIELD, IL— Governor Quinn recently signed into law Senator Michael Noland’s (D-Elgin) proposal to create tax check-offs for four statewide charities.  Tax check-offs allow Illinois residents to make a charitable contribution while filing Illinois income tax returns.

“Tax check-offs encourage people to contribute to important causes,” Noland said.  “State government cannot afford to finance all the social services, environmental conservation areas, and historic sites in Illinois.  This is just one way that we can encourage the public to support causes that they believe in.”

The four charitable causes that will have new tax check-offs are Habitat for Humanity, Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief, State Parks, and Illinois Route 66. 

• Habitat for Humanity builds low-cost houses for individuals who could not otherwise afford to purchase their own home.  The homebuyers must participate in the project. 

• Money contributed to Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief will allow the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans who are struggling to pay their property taxes and other bills.

• Money contributed to State Parks will help support Illinois’ natural spaces and help alleviate the effects of budget cuts.

• Money contributed to Illinois Route 66 will be distributed to various groups that maintain and improve Historic Route 66, an important tourist destination that supports jobs and local economies throughout Illinois.

The tax check-offs will appear on Illinois’ 2010 state income tax forms.