Yingling Introduces Measure to Expand Property Tax Relief for Seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, a consistent advocate of property tax freezes, is sponsoring new, bipartisan legislation that will allow more seniors to qualify for tax relief.

“Seniors who have spent a lifetime turning a house into a home should not be forced to move away to low-tax states because they cannot afford Lake County’s property taxes,” Yingling said. “Illinois ought to be both a great place to raise a family and retire, and this measure can help more seniors stay in their homes and live closer to their families.”

Currently, many senior citizens on fixed incomes do not qualify for the senior citizen assessment freeze exemption because their income falls slightly above the maximum threshold. Yingling’s House Bill 381 increases the maximum income level for eligibility for the program from $55,000 to $75,000, allowing more senior citizens to qualify for tax relief as they face increasing prescription drug, food and utility costs. Property tax exemptions protect seniors, who often have little income protection, against property tax increases due to rising property values. House Bill 381 has bipartisan support and awaits further action in the House.

“Our state and local units of government must not continue to penalize taxpayers,” Yingling said. “I have now voted over 19 times to pass meaningful tax relief, and will continue my fight to ensure this measure and others like it pass out of the House,” Yingling continued.

Yingling represents portions of central-western Lake County and has been an outspoken critic of tax increases. He has sponsored several initiatives that would provide cost containment for local residents and force taxing bodies to live within their means.