Didech Initiative Reduces Local Library Dependence on Property Taxes

​SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, introduced legislation that would allow local library districts to lower the property tax burden on middle-class families by allowing them to collect revenue from the sale of recreational cannabis.

“Our local library districts are completely reliant on property taxes to fund their operations,” Didech said. “This legislation will ensure they’re able to continue providing our families crucial services while reducing their dependence on property taxes.”

Didech introduced House Bill 4135, which would allow local library districts to impose a 1% tax on the sale of recreational cannabis. Currently, counties are able to impose up to a 3% tax on those sales. Under Didech’s proposal however, counties would only be able to impose up to a 2% tax within library districts that are reducing their reliance on local property taxes by collecting revenue from the sale of recreational cannabis.

Didech also introduced House Bill 4134 to assist Illinoisans facing addiction. His effort would create a self-exclusion program for cannabis dispensaries modeled after what is currently in place for casinos.

“Last year, we took crucial first steps to rein in skyrocketing property taxes,” Didech said. “By providing local units of government the tools they need to reduce their dependence on property taxes, we are getting to the root of the crisis facing middle-class families and seniors.”