Rep. Mason Fights for Property Tax Break for Zion Homeowners

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Clean energy legislation backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, that will lower the property tax burden on Zion homeowners and small businesses passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and is heading to the Governor’s desk.

“This change will result in an approximate 20% property tax reduction for homeowners and businesses in the Zion and Winthrop Harbor communities, and some in the areas of Beach Park and Wadsworth, depending on their taxing bodies,” Mason said. “Relieving the property tax burden on new homebuyers and businesses will undoubtedly combat the impacts of the environmental challenges that the community has had to overcome. Our community deserves this relief and locking it down has been one of my top priorities. I’m thrilled to see this come to fruition.”

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is intended to help economic development in Illinois communities that have suffered environmental impacts in the past. With Zion’s shuttered nuclear plant affecting economic development, I helped lead the charge to establish a special program to help Zion homeowners and businesspeople who have been hurt by ComEd’s 1998 closure of the plant.

The specific legislation will require that “75% of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act funds received by taxing authorities must be used for property tax abatement purposes” for homeowners and small businesses.

Zion Mayor Billy McKinney, who grew up in Zion, thanked Representative Joyce Mason and Senator Mary Edly-Allen, and the Governor for their efforts on the bill.

“Zion is in the midst of an economic renaissance with new business operations such as warehouses and retail and restaurants,” Mayor McKinney said. “Thanks to our legislative champions and Governor Pritzker, the clean energy law will only help with new businesses opening and homes selling.”

In addition to Zion residents, homeowners in Winthrop Harbor and parts of Beach Park and Wadsworth will also see property tax relief from this legislation.