A collection of bills providing tax relief and protection against neglect for the aged were signed by Gov. James Thompson last week.

“One of the fastest growing segments of our population is senior citizens, said Rep. John Countryman, R-DeKalb. “Currently, they comprise almost 12 percent of our state’s population, and it’s expected there will be two million people over the age of 65 in Illinois by the turn of the century.

“With this in mind, it’s crucial that we continue to see that these people’s needs are met—now and in the future. The legislation passed this year and signed into law is a step in that direction,” Countryman said.

One of the measures signed into law allows a surviving spouse to continue collecting “circuit breaker” benefits if he or she turns 65 within two years of his or her spouse’s death.

In the past, widows and widowers could not claim such benefits until they reached age 65, but now spouses are eligible to collect the benefits at either age 63 or 64.

Circuit breaker benefits entitle those eligible to income tax and property tax breaks and savings on designated pharmaceuticals.

Not all medication qualifies under circuit breaker benefits. However, medicines such as those for heart conditions and diabetes are covered, Countryman said.

It is necessary that those interested in applying for benefits do so by the deadline, said Countryman. Once an applicant is determined qualified, he will receive an identification card to use for his prescriptions.

Another bill recently passed protects senior citizens who temporarily live in nursing homes from losing their property tax deferral status.

The new law provides that real property may qualify for tax deferral if it was temporarily unoccupied by the taxpayer for one year or less during a stay in a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act.

A bill which provides a $1,000 income tax exemption for blind and elderly taxpayers was also signed. The law existed for several years, but was withdrawn by the federal tax reform in 1986, Countryman said.

The reinstated law allows taxpayers to claim a $1,000 income tax exemption for themselves and each qualifying dependent.

An additional exemption for those 65 and older will allow elderly couples to save an extra $50 per year in state income taxes, Counrtyman said.

Senior citizens are now protected from neglect under another signed bill. Senate Bill 505 provides protection from criminal neglect for elderly and disabled persons.

Criminal neglect is defined as a caregiver’s failure to perform necessary acts to preserve life and health.

The new legislation also provides penalties for the financial exploitation of such a person.

Financial exploitation consists of controlling the property of an elderly or disabled person without lawful authority, the informed consent of the owner or with the intent to deprive or interfere with that person’s use, benefit or possession, said Countryman.

Other bills pertaining to grandparents’ visitation rights and retirement savings bonds are still under consideration by Thompson, Countryman said.