Property Tax Relief
My Position
I wanted to continue the work in Springfield to change how Illinois supports local school districts. I knew it would take time, but my focus was and remains on having the State use its larger tax base to better support local schools and reduce our reliance on local property taxes.
I also wanted to work with local township assessors, Winnebago County, and the State to create a Long-Time Homeowner Property Tax Exemption and expand existing exemptions for seniors. Longtime Winnebago County residents should be rewarded for staying and contributing to our community for an extended period of time, which is why i’ve focused on making it easier for seniors to stay in their homes while living on a fixed income..
What I’ve Accomplished
I introduced HB 1807, the “Property Tax-SSI Freeze,” which would create an assessment freeze homestead exemption for individuals receiving federal Supplemental Security Income.
I voted in favor of SB 1975, which makes it easier for persons with disabilities to automatically renew their homestead exemption without having to reapply each year.
I also sponsored HB 4084, which would allow veterans with a 100% service-connected disability to maintain their homestead exemption without reapplying, and HB 4085, which would provide a property tax exemption for the homes of police officers and firefighters with duty-related disabilities.
More recently, I introduced HB 4106, which would expand access to the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze by increasing the income eligibility limit from $65,000 to $80,000, providing relief to more seniors in our community.
Future Plans
I will continue working with local township assessors, Winnebago County, and the State of Illinois to create a Long-Time Homeowner Property Tax Exemption and expand existing property tax exemptions for seniors. I will also continue sponsoring and supporting legislation that provides property tax relief, breaks, and credits for residents of the 68th District.
I encourage residents of the 68th District to check whether they qualify for any of the property tax exemptions available through Winnebago County. These programs can be especially helpful for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Learn more and find exemption forms: Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments
You can also contact the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office at 815-319-4460 or soa@wincoil.us with questions about eligibility.