Andrade: Property Tax Reforms Needed to Keep Seniors in their Homes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Andrade, D-Chicago, backed proposed legislation to protect low-income seniors from property tax increases, keeping more seniors in the homes they’ve lived in for years.

“Rising costs of living are putting a pinch on Illinois seniors, especially when they are on a fixed income and cannot afford a higher property tax bill,” Andrade said. “I’m putting my full support behind this legislation, because there is no conscionable reason why low-income seniors should be forced out of their homes for high property tax bills beyond their control. These are homes in which they’ve raised their families and created enduring memories. While we have further work to do on this bill, I am confident we will deliver invaluable relief for our seniors.”

Andrade is sponsoring House Bill 3054 which raises the income limitation for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) from $65,000 to $85,000. Seniors would be eligible for this exemption if they are 65 years of age or older, owned their home for more than 2 years, have a total household income less than $85,000 and reapply for the exemption every year.

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