Gov. Blagojevich's nominee for director of Veterans' Affairs, Tammy Duckworth, urges Illinois House to pass property tax cap bill to help Illinois veterans

Senate Bill 2691 to provide $5,000 exemption for Illinois veterans returning from combat overseas         

[NOV. 30, 2006]  CHICAGO -- On behalf of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, Tammy Duckworth, the governor's nominee for director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, urged the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday to pass the Senate version of a property tax cap bill that will help returning Illinois veterans get back on their feet. Passed by the Illinois Senate during the spring session, Senate Bill 2691 will protect Illinois veterans returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq from property tax increases they cannot afford, by giving them a $5,000 extra exemption. Ms. Duckworth will also travel to Springfield on Wednesday to lobby the House on this issue.

"We must do everything we can to help the men and women who have bravely served our country, as they return home from service overseas," Blagojevich said. "A property tax exemption will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet. It's the least we can do to thank them for their sacrifice."

"It is extremely important that we protect our veterans and help them get back to living normal lives when they arrive home," Duckworth said. "This bill will help them make the transition a little bit easier, and that's why I'm joining Governor Blagojevich in urging the House to pass this bill."

Senate Bill 2691, passed by the Illinois Senate last March, will provide an extra $5,000 property tax exemption -- called the Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption -- for the tax year in which the Illinois veteran returns from overseas active duty in an armed conflict.

The bill will also provide protections and stability for homeowners by capping residential property taxes increases at 7 percent per year.

[News release from the governor's office]