Marengo lawmaker loses bid to block property tax hikes
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House Tuesday rejected a proposal that would have prevented local governments like school districts from raising taxes if property values dropped.
The plan, sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks, was rejected by a 34-73 vote.
Franks, a Marengo Democrat, implored his colleagues that it didn't make sense that districts should be allowed to ask for more tax money when the values of homes were dropping.
“My worry is that we're going to drive people out of their homes,” Franks argued on the House floor.
Franks was ribbed by other lawmakers who accused him of grandstanding over the issue.
“It was almost like a press conference you were holding,” said Rep. Roger Eddy, a Republican from downstate Hutsonville.
Rep. Elaine Nekritz, a Northbrook Democrat, said school districts in particular have already had to deal with state budget cuts, so the property tax rules should be left as-is.
“Class sizes have already increased, staff has been laid off, programs cut,” Nekritz said.