Canty Measure to Prioritize Property Tax Relief, Government Transparency, Signed into Law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — A measure backed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, that will bring stakeholders and lawmakers together to explore new solutions to cut property taxes and promote transparency in government spending was signed into law earlier in August.

“While things are steadily improving, our community is still dealing with the challenges of high costs. It’s time to pursue smart solutions to reduce economic burdens across the board, and that includes property taxes. This measure will bring lawmakers and expert stakeholders together to find those solutions, and cut property taxes for working-class and middle-income Illinoisans,” Canty said. “High property taxes are a complex problem that will take time to fix. However, the study created by this law is a step in the right direction.”

Canty is continuing to fight to cut property taxes with Senate Bill 3455, a measure to create a study of the Illinois property tax system. Among other things, the study will cover Cook County assessment practices, the statewide assessment appeal system and the effect of homestead exemptions. This is an initiative of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in concert with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. SB 3455 passed with strong bipartisan support.

Other high-cost assistance measures Canty has taken the lead on include major affordable childcare initiatives, efforts to combat grocery deserts and the creation of new financial support options for working families.

“Our community deserves a property tax system that is fair and transparent,” Canty said. “I want to ensure that taxpayers know where their dollars are going. A clouded government full of overcomplicated bureaucracy and mystifying red tape isn’t good for anyone. Promoting clear government practices will always be a priority for me.”