Pritzker signs bill to create Property Tax Relief Task Force

 

[August 07, 2019] 

With the goal of convening lawmakers to discuss their policy ideas to reduce local reliance on property taxes, Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new law creating the Property Tax Relief Task Force.

“During this legislative session, I committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to convene a task force where they can engage in conversations about how to reduce the burden of property taxes felt by homeowners,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This bipartisan, bicameral property tax task force that will review the entirety of our property tax system, study best practices in other states, and make short- and long-term recommendations by the end of the year. Together, we’ll ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve even while we provide more property tax relief for our homeowners and make our system more fair for everyone.”

Using a racial and economic equity lens, the task force will analyze the drivers of increasingly burdensome property taxes across Illinois and present a suite of short- and long-term solutions to provide relief for homeowners. Serving without compensation, the task force will be made up of members appointed by the governor and four legislative leaders.

An initial report outlining administrative, electoral and legislative changes is due to the Governor’s Office and General Assembly within 90 days, and the task force will complete its work and submit its final report by December 31, 2019.

“We’ve made great strides toward fixing our school funding formula and the next step in that process is reducing the property tax burden and transitioning toward making state funding the predominant sources of support for schools,” said Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). “This task force is one of the first steps in that process and I’m confident that by bringing Democrats and Republicans together to talk about this issue, we’ll be able to work together to find the solutions we need.”

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for addressing the biggest issue homeowners face in our state,” said Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook). “Rising property taxes are hurting home values and forcing seniors out of their biggest asset. I look forward to working with a diverse group of legislators on finding practical solutions without compromising our great communities and schools.”

The Governor’s appointees to the task force are Emily Miller, First Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, and Cameron Mock, Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget and senior fiscal advisor to Deputy Governor Hynes.

[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker]