Hurley-Backed Measure to Ease Property Tax Burden on Seniors Advances to Governor

CHICAGO – Under a measure passed by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, local seniors who qualify for cost-saving property tax exemptions would no longer have to reapply annually for relief.

“Many seniors live on a fixed income, and missing out on property tax savings could make the difference between them staying in their home, paying their bills or buying food or medication,” said Hurley. “Ensuring that our local seniors are receiving all of the savings they are entitled to each year is a top priority of mine, and this legislation will remove an unnecessary burden on older homeowners and bring Cook County up to par with the rest of the state.”

Hurley sponsored House Bill 833, which will allow qualifying seniors to continue receiving their Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption without having to reapply every year. Currently, Cook County is the only county in Illinois where senior homeowners are required to go through the burdensome process of reapplying annually for the cost-saving exemption, which could result in homeowners missing out on savings. Hurley’s measure passed the House and Senate with sweeping bipartisan support and has been sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“I have worked for years to provide property tax relief to Cook County seniors, and removing the unnecessary hurdle requiring them to reapply for their homestead exemption each year is an important first step,” continued Hurley. “I urge the governor to sign this bill into law to give local seniors much-needed stability.”