Connor Backs Property Tax Freeze Plan, Encourages Bipartisan Support

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Concerned about the rising cost of property tax bills, state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is backing a measure to freeze property tax rates and increase exemptions for middle-class families and seniors to make home ownership more affordable.

“Unreasonably high property taxes pose a real threat to families, forcing some to make difficult financial decisions,” Connor said. “There are too many seniors living on a fixed income who have had to consider leaving their home and leaving their community that they care about. That is simply not right, which is why I’m pushing a plan that will give taxpayers more control.”

The Connor-backed Senate Bill 851 would install a two year property tax freeze for all units of local government in Connor’s communities. The proposal would also increase the general homestead and senior citizens homestead exemptions to $10,000 and $8,000, respectively. Voters would have the ability to extend the freeze after two years through a referendum.

“The governor has considered a property tax freeze an important part of his agenda,” Connor said. “This plan is an effort to meet halfway on both sides, and can bring real relief now. We have an opportunity to immediately improve the outlook of families across our state, I encourage my colleagues to take action now.”

Senate Bill 851 passed the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday. It now heads to the House for consideration.