Hanson Delivers Big Wins for Property Tax Relief, Economic Growth, Voting Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Illinois taxpayers foot the fallout of Washington’s agenda that’s raised everyday prices, hindered trade and commerce nationwide, and threatened the erasure of constitutional rights, state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, is taking steps to secure direct property tax relief for Illinois working families, improve the state’s economy and enshrine fundamental rights in the State Constitution.  

“I’m very proud of the work we did in the House this week,” said Hanson. “Property taxes have been a major concern across the state. While everyday expenses keep increasing, we’re focused on providing relief in any way we can. I look forward to seeing how this new legislation can deliver for our community and all of Illinois.”

House Bill 910, backed by Hanson, delivers property tax relief to more communities by allowing local governments to negotiate Payments in Lieu of Taxation (PILOT) agreements for economic developments exceeding $100 million. In exchange for an agreed-upon assessment freeze, large developers would pay into the Illinois Property Tax Relief Fund, in which 60-percent of payments aid local homeowners, with the remaining 40-percent earmarked for homeowners statewide. Data centers are ineligible for these incentives.

Additionally, House Bill 910 allows for the reimagination of former undeveloped railyard sites and access to resources to create new tourism destinations in Illinois.

With potential threats from the U.S. Supreme Court to weaken essential elements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, Hanson worked to pass House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 (HJRCA 28), enshrining equal protections into the State Constitution. The measure seeks to counteract nationwide gerrymandering schemes limiting minority representation and ensures that Illinois voices will never be silenced—reinforcing Illinoisans’ protection to vote for the candidate of their choice.

“Illinois is an extremely diverse state. People come here from all over the country and all over the world, to work, live and thrive. This federal administration wants to eradicate diversity in our state government, but with this amendment, we are protecting Illinois voices. It is essential to the legislative process that we represent all Illinoisans, especially minority communities, to ensure we are delivering for everyone,” said Hanson. 

Both House Bill 910 and HJRCA 28 will be brought to the Senate chamber for consideration.