DeLaRosa Delivers Big Wins for Property Tax Relief and Reform, Economic Growth, Voting Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa, D-Lombard, is taking steps through a series of measures to secure direct property tax relief for Illinois working families, improve the state’s economy and protect our fundamental rights to representative government.  

“My main priority coming into office was to—and continues to be—to deliver for my constituents and our community,” said DeLaRosa. “I believe the measures we passed last week will do just that. We’re focused on property tax relief, but also on protecting the rights and liberties of Illinoisans from unfair practices and federal threats.”

House Bill 910, backed by DeLaRosa, 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 economic development projects would pay into the Illinois Property Tax Relief Fund. Of that deposit, 60% of the funds would provide tax relief to homeowners in proximity to the development site, while the 40% will be shared with homeowners state-wide as a property tax bill reduction.

DeLaRosa also backed House Bill 799 which fixes a broken element in the property tax system by aligning the state with the U.S. Supreme Court Tyler v. Hennepin County ruling, barring “home equity theft,” and ensuring no Illinois resident loses the equity in their home due to old taxes. This measure guarantees that any excess profits generated from a home sale for delinquent taxes—beyond the original tax debt—will rightfully be returned to the previous, indebted owner.

With potential threats from the U.S. Supreme Court to weaken essential elements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, DeLaRosa 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 are never silenced due to race—reinforcing Illinoisans’ equal protection to vote for the representative of their choice.

“State government should reflect the diversity of our Illinois communities. I’m proud to have supported such comprehensive legislation, and I’m excited to see how our community will benefit from these new measures,” said DeLaRosa.

All three measures will be heard in the Senate chamber for consideration.