Costa Howard Continues Fight to Reduce Property Tax Burden on DuPage County Homeowners

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, is sponsoring a proposed change to the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption as part of her continuing efforts to ease the property tax burden on area homeowners.

“Property taxes in DuPage County can be crushing, especially for seniors who are living on fixed incomes,” said Costa Howard. “My legislation will offer some relief to lower-income seniors, to help keep them from being taxed out of their homes.”

Costa Howard is sponsoring Senate Bill 1346, which will amend the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Under current law, homeowners who are 65 or older and whose total household income is less than $65,000 qualify for a freeze on the assessment of their home’s value. Costa Howard’s bill would help lower-income seniors make ends meet by allowing them to subtract any amount paid as Medicare premiums from their adjusted income.

The measure passed out of the Illinois Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and now moves to the House Revenue and Finance Committee.

“When you’re a senior living on a fixed income, every dollar counts,” said Costa Howard. “With this new law, we can make life a little easier for seniors who have worked hard and made their lives in DuPage County.”

For more information, contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.