Lake County Gazette

State Representative Tom Weber has taken action to address the issue of property tax increases in the State of Illinois. With the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) in place to restrict annual property tax levies by local taxing bodies to a maximum of 5% or CPI, Rep. Weber has recognized the need for further measures to protect individual property owners from drastic increases.

To tackle this problem, Rep. Weber has introduced two pieces of legislation, House Bills 4354 and 4716. These bills aim to establish caps that prevent individual property tax bills and assessments from exceeding 5% or 3%, respectively.

In explaining the motivation behind his proposed legislation, Rep. Weber stated, "We have seen cases where property taxes on individual properties have skyrocketed, putting an unfair burden on homeowners. It is crucial to have safeguards in place to ensure that property tax increases are reasonable and within the means of property owners."

The introduction of these bills comes as a response to the current gap in the existing legislation, which only limits the overall tax levy of local taxing bodies. As a result, individual property owners can experience significant increases in their tax bills, causing financial strain and stress.

Rep. Weber's proposed legislation seeks to provide much-needed relief to homeowners by placing necessary caps on property tax increases. By limiting the annual increase to a maximum of 5% or 3%, property owners will be able to better plan and budget for their expenses.

Support for Rep. Weber's initiative has come from various quarters, with homeowners and taxpayer advocates expressing their concerns about the escalating property taxes. Sandy Smith, a resident of Illinois, shared her perspective, stating, "I have seen my property taxes rise dramatically in recent years. It is reassuring to know that Rep. Weber is taking action to address this issue and protect homeowners like me."

The proposed legislation has also garnered attention from local government officials, who recognize the need for a more comprehensive approach to property tax limitations. Mayor John Johnson of a city in Illinois commented, "While PTELL has been effective in limiting overall tax levies, it is crucial to address the issue of individual property tax increases. Rep. Weber's bills are a step in the right direction to ensure fairness and stability for property owners."

As Rep. Weber's bills progress through the legislative process, they offer hope for homeowners who have been burdened by excessive property tax increases. If implemented, these measures will provide much-needed relief and stability in the face of rising property taxes, ensuring that the burden is shared equitably among all property owners in Illinois.