Crespo Measure Easing Exemption Process for Local Seniors Awaits Governor’s Signature

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation passed by state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, that will ease the process of local seniors receiving cost-saving property tax exemptions awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s consideration.

“Skyrocketing property taxes are hurting local seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes and just recently we learned that more than 25,000 seniors in Cook County did not file for cost-saving exemptions,” Crespo said. “This legislation will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and red tape that seniors face, ensuring they receive much needed relief without having to reapply every year.”

Crespo worked with County Cook Assessor Fritz Kaegi to pass House Bill 833, which creates a five-year pilot program from 2020 to 2024 for qualifying seniors to continue receiving their Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption without having to reapply each year. Cook County is currently the only county in Illinois where older homeowners are forced by state law to go annually through the burdensome application process in order to receive this tax relief exemption. Crespo’s measure passed the General Assembly with unanimous support.

“I am grateful that my colleagues in the House and Senate unanimously supported this initiative,” Crespo added. “This is a necessary step in the right direction as it’ll bring about much needed stability to local seniors and I look forward to Governor Pritzker signing it into law.” 

Crespo represents the 44th District, which includes portions of Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin.