Churches really ought to be taxed

Your article on the very high Illinois property tax is appreciated. It is time to change certain unfair and discriminatory aspects of the tax system.

Churches and religious organizations are exempt from property taxes, I believe. One online source says as a result of the religious exemptions for property taxes $76 billion is lost to states, and citizens end up bearing the unfair burden of these taxes.

Religious organizations are some of the largest land holders in the United States and are exempted from property taxes. Churches have warehoused lands and buildings. This is an abusive system at best in my opinion and the time is long overdue for these entities to pay their fair share.

Political influence and pressure have prevented the appropriate taxing of the religious, while average homeowners suffer under the onerous burden of the tax law.

Mary Dahl

Elgin