Lawmakers approve suburban tax relief
SPRINGFIELD -- Suburban homeowners beset with skyrocketing property tax bills will continue to get help from lawmakers in a rare and reluctant political compromise among state leaders.
On Friday, the Senate voted 55-1 to complete an override of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's veto of legislation that will help keep a lid on potential property tax increases in areas where property values continue to rise. The House approved the override last week.
As a result, delayed Cook County tax bills can go out. The homeowner's exemption will rise to $40,000 for one year, and then it will drop over the following two.
But numerous other issues remain unresolved as lawmakers ended their brief fall session. The list includes school funding, a looming mass transit "doomsday," and billions of dollars in state construction spending financed by more gambling.
The lack of action caused some members to let loose with their frustrations Friday.
"Somebody ought to get their act together," screamed state Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, a Des Plaines Republican.
She singled out the legislative leaders and governor for their ongoing battles that have paralyzed the Capitol.
"For God's sake, if you can't get along, get somebody in there to do the work for you," Mulligan shouted from the House floor.
But the rhetoric and political gamesmanship remain at a fever pitch. On Friday, the governor's budget office confirmed reports that nearly 90 percent of Illinois State Police troopers would be laid off in January if lawmakers don't soon resolve a budget technicality.
The statement stunned many lawmakers.
"What a huge mistake that would be," said state Sen. John Millner, a Carol Stream Republican and former Elmhurst police chief. "You can't just lay off your primary protectors."
But the governor's budget spokesman said Blagojevich's hands are tied.
"Without this legislation, we simply can't pay some of our bills -- including salaries for state troopers," spokesman Justin DeJong said.
The House and Senate OK'd a spending deal in August, but the House has never approved the accompanying technical language needed to put that deal in place. Since then, House and Senate leaders had a falling out and the new budget -- which covers everything from police payroll to school spending -- remains in limbo.
It's just one example of the numerous issues mired in Capitol gridlock.
Even the final property tax deal was forced, with many supporters left holding their political noses as they voted.
"The people deserve something," said state Sen. Rickey Hendon, a Chicago Democrat. "But they actually deserve more than we're giving them today."
In recent years, lawmakers capped assessment increases in Cook County at 7 percent a year with a maximum homeowner's exemption of $20,000. But it expires soon.
In response, lawmakers approved a new version that raises the exemption to $40,000 the first year, then lowers it to $26,000 the second year and $20,000 the third year.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich rejected the proposal and told lawmakers to make the $40,000 exemption permanent, a move applauded by many senators.
But the House voted to restore the initial deal. The Senate tried to muster the votes to back more relief but had been unable to do so by the time the House left the Capitol on Friday with no immediate plans to return.
Since the House and Senate must agree on the exact same plan, senators were left with the choice of voting for the House version or possibly wearing the collar for higher tax bills in Cook County.
State Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat who led talks on the issue, said he hoped the Senate's willingness to compromise would open the door for more of the same from the House on other key issues.
"I did my part. I put this to bed," Link said. "Now let's put the others to bed."