My 2020 Position

I wanted to continue the work that has been done down in Springfield to restructure how Illinois supports local school districts. I knew that it would be a long process, but the goal was and is that the state will be able to use its much larger tax base to support local school districts more effectively than we can right now with only local property taxes.

I planned  to work with local Township Assessors, Winnebago County, and the State of Illinois to create a Long Time Homeowner Property Tax Exemption and expand current property tax exemptions for seniors. I felt longtime Winnebago County residents should be rewarded for staying in and contributing to our community for an extended period of time, thus making it easier for seniors to stay in their homes while living on a fixed income.

What I’ve Accomplished

I introduced HB 1807- ”Property Tax-SSI Freeze”, which seeks to Amend the Property Tax Code. Would create an assessment freeze homestead exemption for persons receiving federal Supplemental Security Income. 

I voted in favor of IL SB 1975 which amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code, making it easier for persons with disabilities to automatically renew the homestead exemption without application for any person who applied for the exemption previously.

I sponsored HB 4084, which Amended the Property Tax Code and had provided that a veteran who has a service connected disability of 100% need not reapply for the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, and HB 4085 which would amend the Property Tax Code and provided that property that is used as a qualified residence by a police officer or firefighter with a duty-related disability is exempt from taxation under the Code. 

Future Plans

I will continue to work with local Township Assessors, Winnebago County, and the State of Illinois to create a Long Time Homeowner Property Tax Exemption and to expand current property tax exemptions for seniors. I will continue to sponsor and support legislation that will provide property tax breaks and credits for all residents of the 68th District.

I encourage 68th District residents to check if they qualify for any of the Property Tax Exemptions listed on the Winnebago County website. This is the web address: https://wincoil.us/departments/supervisor-of-assessments/exemption-forms-information/

These are especially helpful if you are a senior, veteran, or disabled person. You may also call the Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments Office at 815-319-4460, or email them at soa@wincoil.us.