Crespo Backs Two-Year Property Tax Freeze and Other Tax Relief Efforts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As property taxes continue to skyrocket, state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, is backing legislation that would freeze property taxes for two years.

"One of the top concerns I hear from families in my district is the issue of rising property taxes," Crespo said. "The fact that some families have been forced to pack their things and move out of Illinois because they cannot afford living here anymore is unacceptable. That's why I'm fighting to provide real tax relief for local homeowners."

The Crespo-backed Senate Bill 851 would freeze property taxes for all units of government in Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will Counties for two years. During this time, homeowners would have to approve any proposed property tax increase. The freeze would be optional for all other counties.

Additionally, the measure would provide relief to taxpayers by increasing senior-specific exemptions, as well as exemptions for every other homeowner. Under the plan, voters would have the ability to extend the freeze beyond two years.

Committed to providing real tax relief for middle-class families and seniors, Crespo is also backing efforts to permanently ban the beverage tax that was recently rolled back in Cook County and rejected a new tax on retirement income.

"The governor has talked a lot about the need for property tax relief, and I agree. But with the costs of everything from healthcare to education rising, families need more than talk," Crespo said. "The legislation I'm supporting is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to provide real property tax relief to our communities."