Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed a new bill providing property tax relief for senior, veteran and disabled homeowners. What nobody said is that those reductions for some mean increases for others. It’s just a matter of shuffling the property tax burden.
The levy is what’s key. That’s the grand total of property tax collected by a unit of government. Unless the levy is reduced, which the new law does not do, taxpayers as a whole pay the same total. The new bill also may push some of the current levy from a current to a future year but, again, the total amount ultimately taxed is not reduced.
It’s fine to reduce the burden on seniors, veterans and the disabled if that’s appropriate, though it’s worth remembering that plenty of seniors and veterans are well of, and there are more targeted ways to help the poor. In any event, don’t hide the whole story, which is what Pritzker and others bragging about the bill did. News stories on the bill didn’t mention the tax shift, either. Pritzker’s press release quotes Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago):
Democratic members of the House and Senate have delivered on comprehensive property tax relief and reform…Taxpayers need to know that government is working for them. I am proud to have played a lead role in passing this measure, which during this time of so much uncertainty, ensures that all taxpayers, especially seniors and veterans are getting the relief they deserve.
No, it is not “comprehensive” and does nothing for “all taxpayers.” The press release also quotes Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego): “The passage of Senate Bill 1975 shows dedication by the members of the Illinois House to reduce property taxes and provide more efficiency in government,” though at least she added that the bill is targeted to a certain group.
No reforms or structural changes of any kind have been made that will reduce property taxes or any other Illinois taxes.