Sorensen Announces $1 Million in Tax Dollars Returned to Illinois Families

ROCK ISLAND, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing that his office returned over $1 million in tax dollars to constituents through federal casework services since he entered Congress last year. 

“For two decades as a trusted meteorologist, I helped our neighbors stay prepared during uncertain times. Now as their trusted voice representing Central and Northwestern Illinois, I’m working to make sure our communities are stronger for the future,” said Sorensen. “If you’re having an issue with a federal agency, I encourage you to reach out to my office so I can get to work as your trusted neighbor in Congress.” 

The $1,157,992 secured for families comes as a result of Sorensen and his staff’s work to help constituents resolve issues with federal agencies, which include getting overpaid taxes returned, fulfilling requirements for VA benefits, processing worker's compensation claims, and more. 

Sorensen’s office processes several hundred constituent cases at a time for constituents from across Central and Northwestern Illinois. 

Illinoisans in search of help with a federal agency are encouraged to contact Sorensen’s office at (309) 786-3406 or fill out a casework request form on Sorensen’s official website. All submissions are reviewed by a member of Sorensen’s staff. 

The following are just a few stories from constituents impacted thanks to Sorensen’s office: 

Lance from Rock Island received help with a Department of Labor issue: “I was injured at work and as a federal employee, our workers’ compensation is done through the Department of Labor. After surgery, I was off work for a little over seven weeks. After five weeks and no paycheck, I contacted Eric Sorensen's office, and they were aware of an ongoing problem with the lag at the Department of Labor. His staff was very sympathetic and one day after a congressional inquiry was made, I received notice that I would be receiving payment. I'm very grateful for the help.” 

Peggy from Galesburg received help getting money owed from the VA: “I’ve been having trouble getting the VA to return money they removed from my account after my husband passed. We could not get them to realize their mistake for nearly one year. Eric Sorensen’s office kept on the case and checked in with me every month for several months. She was diligent, and we finally got the case resolved 11 months later. I was very impressed with their staying in contact and working to help me!” 

Kimberly from Carroll County is now house shopping thanks to USDA loan her family received thanks in part to Sorensen’s office: “I had some issues with getting a USDA direct loan... After contacting the representative’s office, the staff kept on my case. I would get calls and or emails regularly for updates. Because of the involvement of the representative’s office, my husband and I are currently house shopping! I am so thankful to have such a representative as Representative Sorensen! Because of him and his office, we will soon be living in a healthy, safe environment that we own!” 

Kelly from Galesburg was able to get her son health care coverage after reaching out to Sorensen’s office: “I signed up for Marketplace healthcare in September for myself and my two sons. One of my sons was sent to the state to see if he qualified for state insurance, which set off a six-month long battle to get him insurance coverage. Within four days of contacting your office, the issue was fixed, and my son was covered by insurance retroactively. The communication with your office was amazing, and I'm still in shock at how quickly you resolved it. My family is very grateful for your help!” 

Bret, a veteran from Glasford, received help in getting VA benefits: "I was in need of my DD214 to be updated to obtain my VA benefits. Congressman Sorensen and his staff went above and beyond to get the issues resolved." 

Susan from Rockford received help getting benefits owed from the United States Office of Personnel Management: “My husband passed away in May 2023. He was a mailman for 30 years. I signed up for survivor benefits and OPM told me they were eight months behind. I contacted my representative and he then contacted Eric Sorensen’s office. Once they were involved, I received my back pay within a month and I will start getting my monthly benefits in December.” 

Paul from Peoria needed last-minute travel assistance: “My wife and I were visiting our son and his family in Ashdod, Israel. The purpose of our visit was to meet our new two-month-old grandson and our three-year-old granddaughter. We arrived October 4th and, on the 7th, Hamas attacked. As the war intensified, it was apparent that we needed to leave. Almost all flights leaving Israel were booked or canceled. Not knowing what to do, we had a friend send us contact information for Sorensen's office. Staff were very helpful in navigating the paperwork needed to secure our flight out of Israel.” 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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