Franks helping homeowners

There have been a lot of foreclosures in my neighborhood as well as short sales. Yet my property tax bill this year was as high as ever. In a fit a frustration, I called State Rep. Jack Franks' office to see if they could help me get to the bottom of what I see as a huge financial injustice. Gratefully, I was told that Jack Franks is doing his part to make property taxes more reflective of true market values.

In addition to filing his own bills to make property assessments more reflective of true market values, Jack Franks was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 3334, which requires assessors to consider short sales and foreclosures in the area when determining property values. If Gov. Quinn signs the bill into law, property taxes in areas with a fair amount of foreclosures and short sales will be reduced. Lower property taxes will help a lot of people who are struggling and out of work. Measures like this go a long way in boosting the people's confidence in their government. Thanks for listening, Jack.

Randall Lehr

Harvard