Illinois property taxes have surged into the national spotlight after Governor J.B. Pritzker declared reform a legislative priority in East Peoria last week, signaling intentions to seek a third term. Despite holding office for seven years, critics argue little has been done to address soaring tax rates. Illinois currently has the nation’s second-highest effective property tax rate. Peoria, in particular, was singled out by SmartAsset for paying the most relative to home value. Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) challenged the Governor to back House Bill 9—his proposed $2.8 billion relief plan—claiming it could drive major savings for homeowners statewide.
“It is absolutely outrageous for the Governor and Democrat supermajority to now come out and say they want to lower property taxes in Illinois,” stated Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva). “After seven years of doing nothing, now we should trust that the Governor and his party’s supermajorities plan on addressing the problem? I’ve filed real legislation to provide relief, and I’ll drive to Springfield today if the Governor is ready to finally stand up for working families and join me.
“If the Governor is serious, then stop campaigning and start governing,” Rep. Ugaste continued. “Call a Special Session. Let’s vote. My bill, HB 9, which would have provided nearly $2.8 billion dollars in property tax relief this year alone, has been ready to go since last Session. Once fully implemented, some areas of the State could see a 50 percent reduction in their property tax levy. It is estimated this plan could save Illinois property taxpayers approximately $82 billion over the next 21 years.”
Rep. Dan Ugaste serves Illinois House District 65, which includes parts of Kane and DuPage counties. For more information, contact Rep. Ugaste’s office at 630-797-5530 or visit his website at repugaste.com.
