Jones-Backed Grants Provide Property Tax Relief to 20 South Suburban Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Taxpayers in 20 south suburban communities will receive property tax relief under a measure passed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, which provides $26 million for local schools in order to reduce skyrocketing property taxes.

“We shouldn’t have to choose between providing our children with a world-class education, and keeping middle-class families in their homes,” Jones said. “I’m committed to providing high-quality, fair education to every school in our community and providing property tax relief for families. These property tax relief grants help schools that are facing financial challenges right now, and thousands of students, teachers and taxpayers will reap the benefits.”

Jones worked to pass a 2017 law which created the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act. Under this act, schools who showed some of the highest need for funding receive yearly state-funded property tax relief grants. This year 39 school districts, including 20 in the south suburban area such as Ford Heights, Thornton and South Holland, split a $53.5 million rebate to help pay for buying new school supplies, fixing old classrooms and providing a safer atmosphere for students to learn in.

“Improving our school system is one of my biggest concerns for this community,” Jones said. “High-quality education will help us build a stronger Illinois and create good-paying job opportunities while combatting crime rates and encouraging better public health. We have more work to do get our children the schools they deserve, but this relief funding is progress.”