Senate to consider property tax freeze Tuesday

The Illinois Senate is set to debate property taxes next week, Sen. President John Cullerton announced Friday.

Gov. Bruce Rauner says high property taxes are the "No. 1 issue in the state," and has made a freeze one of his top priorities.

And while Democrats haven't jumped on board with the governor in much of his non-budget legislation, suburban lawmakers could favor a tax freeze, regardless of their party.

State Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat, introduced his proposal for a property tax freeze earlier this year, but Republicans denounced it.

Franks has said he mostly agrees with Rauner on property taxes, but says the governor is trying to move too fast.

"Do it incrementally. That's what happens here in Springfield. I'd like to move things quicker, too," Franks said late last month. "It doesn't happen overnight, because some people just aren't ready for it. So you have to chip away."

Democratic lawmakers shot down several of Rauner's proposals last month in votes meant to send a message to the governor.

The General Assembly's regular deadline for passing a budget was May 31, so both the Senate and the House are in "continuous session" through the summer.

Rauner: Voters should decide on future property tax hikes

Democrats call property tax freeze 'terrible,' set up showdown

Property tax freeze in question; Republicans call it a stunt

GOP still frustrated with budget process

Illinois must reject politics of the past

Mailers fly over property tax vote; are budget talks 'over'?

Suburbs' share of income taxes not cut in Democrats' state budget plan

Suburban Democrats say they won't back budget with $3 billion deficit

Rauner's plan to cut suburbs' tax share doesn't get a single vote

Despite meetings with suburban lawmakers, are more headaches to come for Rauner?

St. Charles schools delays budget vote to wait for word on state aid

Rauner's priority in last-minute budget talks: Property tax freeze

With state finances 'completely uncertain,' what will Rauner do?

Rauner eyes closing St. Charles, Warrenville youth prisons

Raise state taxes to protect education, Glenbard superintendent says