Mussman Backs Property Tax Fairness for Seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To protect seniors from increasing property taxes, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is supporting legislation to eliminate an unfair requirement that forces Cook County seniors to reapply for a Senior Homestead Exemption every year.

“Increasing property taxes can cause people to leave their homes, especially those living on a fixed income,” Mussman said. “Seniors in Cook County are unfairly burdened by the requirement to reapply annually for the exemptions they deserve, and this legislation will help make it easier for them to receive the relief they need and stay in their homes.”

The Mussman-backed Senate Bill 1257 removes the requirement for annual reapplication to receive the Senior Homestead Exemption. The new legislation ensures that once a senior receives their status, the home will be exempt until it is recorded that there is a transfer of ownership. The exemption stands at $8,000 and applies to homeowners who are 65 and older.

“Seniors in our community have enough to worry about and shouldn’t be burdened with exemption paperwork or the possibility of tax increases,” Mussman said. “I will continue to support legislation that saves seniors money and helps them stay in the homes that they worked hard to afford.”

For more information, please contact Mussman’s constituent service office at 847-923-9104 or StateRepMussman@gmail.com.