Sanalitro Highlights Property Tax Relief Package
For many families, owning a home is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. But rising property tax bills can make it harder for homeowners to plan for the future and stay in the communities they love.
State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro is highlighting a package of legislation focused on property tax relief for homeowners, seniors, veterans, and local communities.
“Homeownership should provide stability—not constant fear of the next property tax bill,” Sanalitro said.
Her property tax relief package includes four proposals.
School District Property Tax Relief Grants — HB 9
HB 9 focuses on property tax relief through grants for school districts.
Local schools are an important part of every community, but funding education can place significant pressure on property taxpayers. This proposal is intended to provide another source of State support for school districts while directly addressing the burden placed on homeowners. More about how House Bill 9 works is here.
Expanded Relief for Senior Homeowners — HB 1906
For seniors living on fixed incomes, increases in housing costs can be especially difficult to absorb.
HB 1906 focuses on expanding property tax relief for senior homeowners. The new property-tax break would let qualifying seniors age 65 and older skip the school portion of their property taxes if the home is their primary residence, their household income stays under a set cap, they own or have a documented interest in the property, they are the ones paying the taxes, and no one living there is enrolled in or planning to attend public school.
Sanalitro says seniors who have spent years building their lives in Illinois should have greater protection from rising property tax costs.
Increased Funding for Local Governments — HB 1282
Local governments provide many of the services residents rely on every day.
HB 1282 focuses on increasing funding for local governments. The proposal is part of Sanalitro’s broader effort to address the financial pressure that can ultimately fall on local property taxpayers through unfunded mandates passed down by the state.
Stronger Property Tax Protections for Veterans — HB 4405
Veterans have made significant sacrifices in service to the country.
HB 4405 focuses on strengthening property tax protections for veterans and is included as the fourth part of Sanalitro’s property tax relief package. The proposed Illinois property-tax change would let surviving spouses claim the disabled-veteran homestead exemption even if the veteran was killed in the line of duty outside Illinois and the spouse has not lived in the state continuously since the death.
Veterans gave enough for our country; they shouldn’t face the financial hardship associated with high property taxes.
Keeping the Focus on Homeowners
Sanalitro’s package approaches property taxes from several directions: schools, seniors, local governments, and veterans.
For Sanalitro, the goal is straightforward: keep the conversation in Springfield focused on the property tax burden facing Illinois homeowners and pursue policies aimed at providing relief.
Residents can contact her district office at 630-349-0645.