Naperville, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is sponsoring new legislation to adjust the formula used to calculate homeowner’s exemptions for veterans, which are based on degree of disability.
“Our veterans mean so much to our community, they have laid down the ultimate sacrifice to protect our rights and freedoms here in America and all over the world,” said Yang Rohr. “This legislation will establish a standard and a fairness in which all disabled veterans who qualify for the homeowner’s exemption are getting what they have earned and deserve.”
Yang Rohr will be introducing this House Bill 3154 to the 102nd General Assembly to create a more equitable assessment of property tax deductions for disabled veterans. Under the current law, veterans with a disability rating of 30% – 69% can deduct $2,500 – $5000 from the assessed valuation of their homes, and veterans with a disability rating of 70% or more are exempt from paying property taxes altogether. This allocation limits veterans under the 70% disability rating to significantly lower property tax exemptions depending on where they live and the value of their home.
To address the issue, Yang Rohr instead proposes a percentage deduction based on a veteran’s disability rate. Under Yang Rohr’s new bill veterans with a disability rate of 30-49% will receive a 30% deduction from assessed valuation, veterans with a disability rate of 50-69% will receive a 50% deduction from assessed valuation, all while veterans with a disability rate of 70% or higher are still exempt from paying property taxes just as before.
“We owe it to our veterans to support them for their service,” said Yang Rohr. “This change will provide additional relief for veterans across Illinois. Disabled veterans and their families shouldn’t have to worry about high property taxes. Any way we as legislators can prioritize the needs of our constituents, we must do everything in our power to do so.”
For information, Yang Rohr’s constituent service office can be reached at (630) 296-4157 or by email at info@repyangrohr.com.