Flood victims should get property tax relief

As someone who has been involved in government for many years, I believe it is important for government to come up with ways to help those subjected to damages from natural disasters. I think some property tax relief would be a concrete meaningful way to act. There is an existing exemption for people who rebuild after a natural disaster, but that is very specific and I believe a broader exemption is needed to cover people who are subjected to damages but who don't necessarily have to rebuild.

Some of our neighbors in Lake and McHenry counties and other areas have been subjected to severe damage to their property and homes as a result of recent flooding. They need concrete steps to help them out. I would urge our state legislators to create and pass a special real estate tax exemption of a particular amount for a designated time period for flood or natural disaster victims who have incurred damage to their property or their homes. Existing exemption for rebuilding does not help most people who have severe damages but not the need to rebuild. If you agree with me, contact your legislators to urge action.

This is a people issue and a non-partisan idea that I hope all legislators can support it and that the governor will sign it into law.

Elliott Hartstein

Buffalo Grove