Illinois has topped the list of states with the highest property taxes, which comes as no surprise to many Illinois residents. The burden has made Illinois unaffordable for too many families, and particularly weighs heavily on senior citizens and working families. Illinois House Republicans have been vocal about the need for relief and have proposed legislation to bring down costs for families.
State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) has proposed real solutions to lower property taxes. House Bill 9 is legislation crafted to set aside part of the state budget for a grant fund to be given to school districts, and in return, requiring them to lower property taxes.
“Illinois has the highest property taxes in the country, and because of that residents are fleeing to neighboring states with friendlier tax environments,” said Rep. Ugaste. “High property taxes drive out our families, businesses, and keep investment from happening. We’re strangling our economy from the inside.”
Amy Elik (R-Alton), who serves as House Republican Deputy Budgeteer, has been outspoken in highlighting the need for property tax relief.
“My district borders Missouri, and when I talk to my constituents I constantly hear about the lower taxes across the border,” said Rep. Elik. “If we want to stop the flow of residents leaving our great state, the legislature must stop raising our residents’ taxes. Our seniors suffer under the weight of crushing property tax bills, young families cannot afford to own a home, and our residents are begging for relief. The people of Illinois are tapped out, and deserve relief now.”
Other House Republican measures to lower property taxes include:
● HB 0009 – Ugaste- Property Tax Relief
● HB 1321- Ugaste- Tax District Surplus
● HB 1746- Sosnowski- Homestead Exemption
● HB 2543- Sosnowski- Taxpayer Empowerment
● HB 3723- Sosnowski- Senior Exemption
● HB 3724- Sosnowski- General Homestead
● HB 4010- Weber- Property Tax Extensions
● HB 4011- Weber- Assessment Limit
The House Republicans will continue to advocate for proposals that would deliver property tax relief for Illinois homeowners. Status of the bills can be tracked on ilga.gov.