Real estate tax reform is the only way to end the unfair funding of schools throughout the state and allow people on limited incomes to stay in their homes, Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) told the Lake County Gazette.
With many Illinois homeowners paying property taxes much higher than the national average, McConchie said its time to ease the burden on all property owners.
“I think that we need to move away from property taxes as a primary source (of funding government services)” McConchie said. “It creates a lot of imbalances."
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McConchie said school districts funded by property taxes vary quite a bit in quality of education and financial health. He also said property tax costs threaten American seniors’ ability to remain in their homes, using the example of a widow on a $14,000 a year income consisting of government assistance and paying around $10,000 a year in property taxes.
Reform should come with complementary solutions, McConchie said, including what he described as “consolidation,” or the rearranging of municipal governments for efficiency.
“There are times when a separate government office is needed and other times when it isn't,” McConchie said.
McConchie also said that along with shrinking the complexity of local government, another goal should be getting rid of unfunded state mandates that increase financial pressure and drive property tax hikes.
McConchie didn't have much to say about recent statements by Speaker of the House Mike Madigan on “selective” or “targeted” real estate tax relief.
In comments to WGN Radio earlier this month, Madigan implied that he favored a policy that would ease tax burdens more for some than others.
“People need property tax relief all across the board,” McConchie said.
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