Current Issues

Remember to file to qualify for your tax rebate

Recently, with Rep. Lipinski's strong support, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy. As part of this legislation, starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. However, since the tax rebate is based on 2007 tax returns, people who normally wouldn't need to file a 2007 federal income tax return will need to file a 1040 or 1040A now to receive a check of $300 or more.

Even those who have little or no tax liability may qualify for a minimum payment of $300 ($600 if filing a joint return) if their tax return reflects $3,000 or more in qualifying income. For the purpose of the stimulus payments, qualifying income consists of earned income such as wages and net self-employment income as well as Social Security or certain Railroad Retirement benefits and veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

Low-income workers who have earned income above $3,000 but do not have a regular filing requirement must file a 2007 tax return to receive the minimum stimulus payment. Similarly, Social Security recipients, certain Railroad retirees, and those who receive the veterans' benefits mentioned above must file a 2007 return in order to notify the IRS of their qualifying income.

The IRS.gov website is the best source for additional information and answers to questions regarding the stimulus payments. The site will soon have an online tool which will allow taxpayers to calculate the amount of their advance payment and to check on the status of their specific payment.

January 24, 2008 

Congressman Dan Lipinski successfully secured a stay of deportation and a release from jail for Corina Turcinovic on Tuesday January 22, 2008.  Mrs. Turcinovic, a French national, was on her way to the airport when ICE responded to the congressional request from the House Immigration Subcommittee.

 Channel 5 reporting from the home of Corina Turcinovic upon her release from McHenry Jail.

January 11, 2008 

Lipinski Announces $100,000 Grant for Lucas Berg Pit Study

In December, Congressman Lipinski secured a $100,000 grant for a study to determine alternatives to using the Lucas Berg Pit in Worth as a disposal site for dredged material from the Calumet-Sag Channel Modification and Illinois Waterway. Click here to learn more...

~ Update ~
December 18, 2007

Lipinski Hails "Best Day for the Environment and American Energy Independence in a Generation"
Landmark Energy Bill Clears Congress and Illinois Awarded
FutureGen Clean Energy Project

Today, Representative Dan Lipinski helped pass the Energy Independence and Security Act, a sweeping energy plan that will revolutionize our nations' energy economy, help free us from our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of new jobs, and reduce the threat of climate change...

Historic Energy Bill - Including Lipinski Initiatives - Passes House

On December 6th, Representative Dan Lipinski helped pass the Energy Independence and Security Act, a sweeping energy plan that will revolutionize our nations' energy economy, help free us from our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of new jobs, reduce the threat of climate change, and roll back tax breaks for Big Oil corporations in order to invest in clean, alternative energies. 

Click here to listen to live audio with Congressman Lipinski on the Spike O'Dell Show on December 7th discussing the Energy Bill.

• Click here to listen to Congressman Dan Lipinski discuss the needs for transportation funding and improvements in the Chicagoland area.
  
  
  "Chicago has the transportation infrastructure in place to host the 2016 Olympics, but the state and federal government must close funding gaps now to enhance a future bid, according to testimony at a congressional committee hearing Monday. Regional transportation leaders including CTA chief Ron Huberman addressed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which was interrupted by protesters angry over impending Chicago Transit Authority fare hikes and service cuts because of lack of funding from the state Legislature. Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.), a committee member, said the crisis involving mass transit in the Chicago region will be solved soon and should not affect the city attracting the Olympics." (October 30, 2007 Chicago Suntimes, Metro Brief)
      
     

Congressman Lipinski thanks all residents of the Third District who participated in the November Senior Fair and Town Hall.

• Lipinski Helps Pass Bill Requiring President to Plan for Troop Redeployment (October 2, 2007)
  
  "This year I have helped Democratic majorities pass legislation opposing the President's troop surge, establishing firm benchmarks for the Iraqi government, and setting a date for U.S. troop withdrawal," said Lipinski.
  
  Click here to learn more about Congressman Lipinski's efforts to force a change in the President's Iraq policy and start bringing our troops home.  

• Interested in learning more about being a Congressional Intern in Congressman Dan Lipinski's Washington, D.C. Office? Click here to find out more.... 
  

• (September 11, 2007)  Congressmen Dan Lipinski appeared on Chicago Tonight with Elizabeth Brackett to reflect on the Petraeus Report and the way forward in Iraq.
  
• Click here to learn more about what Congressman Lipinski is doing to help veterans. 
   
• (August 23, 2007)   Representative Lipinski Applauds Success of Efforts to Stop BP from Increasing Pollution in Lake Michigan

Responding to pressure from public officials and concerned citizens, BP made the announcement today.  In response, Congressman Lipinski issued the following statement:

"This announcement by BP that they will be environmentally responsible and not dump additional pollutants into Lake Michigan is a victory for everyone who lives around the lake. Lake Michigan is the source of drinking water for over 10 million people...." Click here to read more about Congressman Lipinski's efforts to protect the Great Lakes.

• Click here to read a Special Report from Congressman Lipinski on the Great Lakes and Cable Programming.  
   

• Protecting the Great Lakes - Congressman Dan Lipinski reintroduced legislation last week aimed at protecting the Great Lakes by banning the dumping of raw sewage into the lakes.  Click here to learn more about the legislative efforts.
  
  

•  Click here to view live news coverage at the Shedd Aquarium on July 5, 2007.   You will need Windows Media Player 6 or higher to view this file. Click here to download the latest version of Windows Media Player.   

• Click here to read the lastest news from Congressman Lipinski in support of our nation's veterans. To receive future updates like these please click here to sign up for E-news updates from Congressman Dan Lipinski.

• A BRIGHT Direction in Climate Change Congressman Lipinski successfully included language from his bipartisan BRIGHT Energy Savings Act in H.R. 2701, the Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007, during the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing in June. the BRIGHT bill, would mandate the use of high efficiency light bulbs in federal office buildings.

• (June 2007) Congressman Lipinski recently held a town hall on Saturday June 16th in Oak Lawn. Thank you for all the residents of the 3rd Congressional District for attending and sharing their concerns. 

• Congressman Lipinski introduces bill to give parents more family-frienly cable t.v. options. Click here for more information.
  
  


• Congressman Dan Lipinski Introduces Common Sense Legislation to Save Energy and Taxpayer Dollars


 Recent Update: During consideration of the Defense Bill, Congressman Lipinski introduced an energy efficiency amendment that would require all federal buildings under the direction of the Department of Defense to use energy efficient light bulbs - when feasible - when replacing burnt out light bulbs. 





Special Report from Congressman Lipinski on the introduction of bipartisan legislation on Iraq policy.


Congressman Lipinski Offers a New Approach to Iraq  

 

 

• On Tuesday March 20th, Congressman Lipinski testified before the House Committee on Foreign Relations on Iraq on legislation he introduced during debate of the escalation of the war on Iraq in
  
  
  

 

Watch the video of the Congressman Lipinski's floor speech (2/15/07)



 

Click here to read Congressman Lipinski's statement on Iraq policy (2/15/07)



Read more about Congressman Lipinski's Plan for a New Iraq Policy

U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski (IL-3^rd) called for improvements in math and science education, as well as support for research and development and alternative energy at the annual Chicagoland Engineering Awards Banquet on Friday February 23rd.  The event is part of the annual Chicagoland Engineers Week held each year during National Engineers Week.


Click here statement on Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act.



Click here statement on implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations.



Congressional Update on securing our nation's borders



Aviation Safety at O'Hare Airport needs updating. Congressman Lipinski joined Officials in urging the FAA to hurry up the implementation of back up radars for O'Hare Airport.



Railroad safety in Chicago area could be improved. Railroad crossings in the Chicago area are about to become safer and much more efficient. It's the first step in a $1.5 billion plan to improve the rail system throughout Illinois.

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