SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — As another round of utility bills arrives in the mail, a Central Illinois lawmaker has filed legislation to provide more relief for people struggling to get by.

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) told WAND News it is unacceptable that working and middle class families are left with virtually no option for relief while energy costs continue to rise.

Turner's bill could create a home utility rebate program for families who earn too much to qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program but are still hurt by rising energy costs. The proposal calls for rebates to households between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines.

"This is for people that can't afford the bills, but yet they don't have any state help," Turner said.

Her plan would create a $5

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