Harper Supports Property Tax Relief Package

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Every homeowner in the state would receive a break from high property taxes under a comprehensive tax relief package passed by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, increasing the value of key property tax credits for families, seniors and veterans. While Gov. Bruce Rauner has discussed freezing property taxes, Chicago’s action goes further to actually cut property taxes and reduce the burden on local homeowners.

“Homeowners in my district pay some of the highest property tax rates in the state,” Harper said. “This property tax package is a needed, bipartisan plan to grant relief to homeowners who have been burdened by skyrocketing rates.”

Harper sponsored House Bill 156 and voted to pass the comprehensive package of property tax relief measures Thursday. Harper’s bill provides homeowners with relief above and beyond the freeze discussed by the governor, by increasing the value of key property tax exemptions that help homeowners reduce the taxable value of their homes and therefor reduce their taxes. Beginning in 2018:
• All homeowners in the state would be eligible for an annual $8,000 exemption on their primary residence
• The Exemption for seniors over the age of 65 would increase from $5,000 to $6,000 annually;
• More veterans would be able to receive property tax relief, as returning service members certified 20-30 percent disabled who are currently ineligible for property tax relief would be provided a $2,500 annual exemption. All veterans over the age of 75 would be able to receive a $2,500 exemption as well.

Harper’s bill also creates a new property tax freeze for disabled homeowners receiving Supplemental Security Income from the federal government, and expands tax credits provided to long-term homeowners.

“Owning a home is a major life achievement that should not be met with out of control property taxes,” Harper said. “Residents should be able to settle down in our community, take root and grow a family. By making the cost of home ownership more affordable, we can help achieve this goal.”

Harper’s bill received bipartisan support in the House, and now awaits consideration in the Senate.