Lilly Backs Property Tax Fairness for Cook County Seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Cook County seniors would have easier access to property tax relief under legislation backed by state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly’s, D-Chicago, eliminating a burdensome provision that requires local seniors to reapply for tax relief every year.

“In Cook County, seniors are forced to reapply for their exemption each year, increasing the chances of seniors’ taxes rising accidentally,” Lilly said. “Seniors in other counties do not have to contend with this hassle as long as seniors reside in their homes. Cook County should allowed to do the same on behalf of its residents.”

Lilly’s Senate Bill 1257 eliminates Cook County’s legal requirement for seniors to reapply annually for the Senior Homestead Exemption. Under Lilly’s bill, the exemption would remain on a property as long as the senior resides there. The exemption applies to people who are 65 and older and pay property taxes on their home, and Cook’s current exemption stands at $8,000. Lilly’s bill puts Cook County on an equal footing with other counties, protecting homeowners from paying even more in property taxes.

Lilly will work to advance the measure through the House after it received unanimous support in the Senate.

“Seniors living on a fixed income in my community are already struggling to get by, and they should not have to pay more,” Lilly added. “This bill will protect the exemption our seniors deserve, which will help them keep their money and stay in their homes.”