Rep. Barbara Hernandez to Fight for Middle-Class Tax Relief on Property Tax Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, will push for reforms that ease the burden of property taxes and put middle-class families first as a member of the newly-formed Property Tax Relief Task Force.

“Illinois property taxes are some of the most strenuous in this country. I’m glad to be a part of this crucial task force; not only so I can help solve one of this state’s biggest problems, but so I can fight for much-needed tax relief for our community,” Hernandez said. “Local residents have had enough of taxes that punish them financially simply because they want to own a home.”

Hernandez passed Senate Bill 1932, which creates the Property Tax Relief Task Force. The measure was signed into law Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Hernandez was chosen to represent the House Democratic Caucus on the panel. Within 90 days, the task force will produce a report outlining structural and legislative reforms that will provide both short- and long-term relief for homeowners.  

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois currently has the second highest property tax rate in the country. The median value of a home in Illinois is $179,000, which Illinois taxes at $4,151 every year.

“Property tax relief is central to my pledge to build a stronger Illinois,” Hernandez said. “Right now, skyrocketing property taxes are constraining economic opportunity, and that cannot continue. I’m confident this task force is the first step in curing Illinois of the problem of unreasonable property taxes.”