Proposal would give tax break for soundproofing homes near O'Hare

While residents near O'Hare International Airport might not get relief from jet noise, more could get tax relief for soundproofing their homes.

A state legislative committee heard comments Thursday on a proposed tax credit for purchasing soundproofing materials, as well as labor or other costs associated with installing them.

The credit, which was introduced by state Rep. Christine Winger, a Wood Dale Republican, would be available to residents just outside the area where households are eligible for federal grant money to soundproof homes.

"I'm trying to do something for those people who are outside the federal grant program, but are experiencing significant noise, especially due to the expansion of O'Hare," Winger said.

Winger is collaborating with Republican state Rep. Michael McAuliffe of Chicago and Democratic state Sens. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines and John Mulroe of Chicago on several measures aimed at addressing noise concerns surrounding O'Hare and its expansion. These include a tax credit and an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency study on the health and environmental impact of the airport expansion.