Reitz Continues Fight for Property Tax Relief for Southern Illinois Homeowners

RED BUD, Ill. – As a part of his continued fight to bring true property tax relief to homeowners across Southern Illinois, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, recently supported a bipartisan measure to deliver immediate relief to local homeowners by suspending late payment penalties and tax sales while creating a reapplication deferral for all senior, veteran and disabled homeowner exemptions.  

“The COVID-19 crisis has caused financial hardship and uncertainty for many families, making some folks decide to prioritize immediate expenses like groceries and utility bills over property tax payments,” said Reitz. “I have continually fought for property tax relief as a member of the Property Tax Relief Task Force, so passing a plan to alleviate the pressure on homeowners by immediately suspending late payment penalties and other reforms was a top priority of mine.”

Reitz supported Senate Bill 685, which allows for immediate property tax relief by allowing counties to suspend late payment penalties and tax sales. Additionally, the Reitz-backed measure creates a one year application deferral for seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, so they do not have to go through a reapplication process for their homeowner exemptions.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to lower property taxes for homeowners throughout our region, especially now as many families are facing difficult financial situations due to the COVID-19 crisis,” continued Reitz. “I will continue fighting to build a stronger Illinois by prioritizing the needs of Southern Illinoisans and working for true reforms to bring property tax relief to homeowners.”