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* Greg Bishop at The Center Square…
Illinois House Republicans called on the Democratic majority Tuesday to hold fair hearings on measures to reduce property taxes in Illinois, which has the second-highest property taxes in the nation.
State Rep. Deanne Mozzachi, R-Elmhurst, said since the Property Tax Relief Task Force was created in the fall and wrapped up their work in late December without producing a final report, property taxes across the state continue to increase.
“Again increased bills while another Democrat lead blue-ribbon task force has failed to deliver,” Mozzachi said.
Republicans on Tuesday used a statehouse news conference to call the Illinois Property Tax Relief Task Force a “sham,” a “failure,” a “facade” and an effort to push for increased sales and income taxes rather than property tax relief. They say Democrats need to act.
Task force member, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, responded.
“I don’t know what they want us to do differently and if they have any good ideas then we’ll support them but where are their ideas and when are we going to start seeing those,” Carroll said. […]
House Republicans say they’ve filed 23 bills, all of which are in the House Rules Committee they called a “graveyard” controlled by Democrats.
Task force member, state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Humboldt Park, understood Republican’s frustrations.
“I can see there’s skepticism, there always is, but I do know that the pressure we feel strongly, at least this Democrat here, feels really strongly that we have to do something, and we have to do something now,” Ramirez said.
* Gabrielle Franklin at WCIA…
One idea that republicans said they would really like to see gain traction is a measure that would allow the district to end certain mandates if the state does not cover the cost for it. “It’s really disrespectful to teachers and I do believe that teachers should have control over the curriculum they want to teach in the classroom,” said Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont). “I do believe that teachers have the best interests of their students at heart and we as Springfield legislators are so far removed and Illinois is such a diverse state. It’s really troubling that we are not willing to just respect teachers and trust they are going to do the best for out students.” Mazzochi said when she tried to get this bill some momentum, Democratic Representative Michelle Mussman said she loves mandates and sees no problems with mandates.
When asked for comment, Mussman said she was digesting the information presented from republicans and would send over a comment if she had one. A comment has not been sent.
Republicans need to tread carefully on this topic, particularly targets like Rep. Mazzochi. The House Democrats routinely point to quite popular unfunded mandates to attack Republican candidates who call for an end to them. For instance, background checks to prevent hiring sexual predators. That’s been a “winner” issue for several cycles.
Also, Rep. Mussman might want to explain why she loves unfunded mandates.
* Peter Hancock at Capitol News Illinois…
Meanwhile, Republicans have said they have introduced numerous bills they believe would provide property tax relief, including bills calling for overhaul of public pension benefits, limiting workers compensation awards, repealing what Republicans call “unfunded mandates” on school districts and expanding property tax exemptions for seniors.
“We want these bills that we’ve proposed, that were suggested at the property tax committee level, but then we’ve introduced in bill form, to have their opportunity to be heard in committee and voted on,” Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, said during the news conference. “The taxpayers of Illinois deserve this, and we call on the House Democratic leadership to let that happen.”
Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, who chairs the House Revenue Committee, did not immediately respond to the Republicans’ charges but said through a spokesperson that he would make a statement later in the week after that committee has met.
But other Democrats have said the GOP’s chief proposal, for further pension reform, is off the table. They note that Illinois passed significant pension reform in 2013 when it established the “Tier 2” system for newly-hired employees. That package included reduced cost of living increases, higher retirement ages, and limited the amount of salary that was covered by pensions.
Teachers are gonna love that bill.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 9:45 am
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During the press conference, Rep. Mozzachi also focused on HB5293 which creates a new exemption for seniors. While it would lower property taxes for those seniors that qualify, everyone else would pay higher property taxes in order to make up the difference.
Comment by My Button is Broke... Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 9:53 am
I know Illinois is short on mountains, but it seems the Republicans are attacking molehills. They need to find a reason to exist.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 9:56 am
What has it been now, almost a year, that around 88 members were named to a task force to find property tax relief solutions. Deadline was the end of ‘19 and we are getting close to opening day for MLB.
Comment by Pick a Name Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:01 am
Newsflash, GOP. Until we get a Fair Income Tax, and then swap education funding sources from property to a more equitable distribution, there will be no serious property tax relief. The alternative, of course, is further destruction of public education, creating wastelands like Kansas and Oklahoma. My apologies if this process will take longer than ordering a delivered pizza.
Comment by VerySmallRocks Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:04 am
This is like asking the president to fix the pothole in front of your house.
Property taxes are locally controlled. While there are certainly mandates passed at the state level, those costs can not be more impact than a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the local property tax rate set by your local boards.
I’m not bothered that the democratic majority in the state legislature isn’t putting much effort into producing reports on this. I am bothered a little bit that neither side is pointing out the obvious solution is to address the situation locally where it will have the most impact.
>property taxes across the state continue to increase.
Not mine. My property tax rates have been falling for 6 years now. And in fact there is only one village(cough cough Batinick) in the area that has not lowered its property taxe rates in that time. Every other taxing body in the area has lowered them, many by 2-5% per year, but some only lower by 1% year but still lower.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:06 am
Reforming the second highest property taxes in America that benefits trial lawyers over taxpayers isn’t a reason to exist?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:09 am
Lesson for the IL GOP
1) ~70% of the property tax bill is for school funding
2) school property taxes are high because of the low level of State funding of schools
3) reducing property taxes requires massively more State funding of schools
4) to get massively more State school funding requires higher State taxes … even more than the currently proposed Fair Tax
5) Assuming the IL GOP is serious about lowering property taxes, they should be supporting an extra 2% or 3% on the income tax with all funds dedicated to school funding on top of current school funding levels AND a mandate that the local school property tax levy is reduced dollar for dollar of new funding. That is the only way you will get property tax reduction under the current environment.
6) Alternatively or in addition, mandate no more than one school district per county and force consolidation to reduce some if the administrative overhead.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:10 am
==bills they believe would provide property tax relief, including bills calling for overhaul of public pension benefits,==
Have House Republicans explained / provided details about this? With Tier 2, the only obvious way this works is to reduce benefits / increase the retirement age for current employees. And, does anyone remember what happened in 2012 when Pat Quinn said he was reducing the retirement age for then current state employees?
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:15 am
RNUG at 10:10 said it best. I totally agree.
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:22 am
Well said RNUG. You nailed it.
This has been true since Dawn Clark Netsch gave Jim Edgar the idea back in 1994. Trading property tax for income tax is the only fiscally sound way to reduce the property taxes.
Consolidation is overdue as well, although I think it would be hard to have one school district in DuPage or Cook or Lake Counties. But Iroquois County does not need 9 school districts.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:23 am
RNUG -
Thanks for the one school district / county. Been saying that for a long time, usually to criticism. But, then again, maybe it was for violating the Illinois-centric rule by citing Nevada and Florida. /s
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:29 am
- RNUG -, Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe winner.
Your comment here is a prime example to why.
For me, to - RNUG -?
Easy.
=== 5) Assuming the IL GOP is serious about lowering property taxes, they should be supporting an extra 2% or 3% on the income tax with all funds dedicated to school funding on top of current school funding levels AND a mandate that the local school property tax levy is reduced dollar for dollar of new funding. That is the only way you will get property tax reduction under the current environment.===
The ILGOP can’t be dishonest to the math or the monies and how to fill the change if property tax relief is the goal.
I’ve felt that it’s a three-leg stool for property taxes, K-12 school funding, and higher education funding.
If Illinois wants to make all education a priority and give significant and serious property tax relief, the Herculean effort begins and ends not at a silly committee or “one party” whining and “one party” dragging its feet.
The three leg stool isn’t hard policy to build or run. It will be, arguably, the hardest thing this state would do, and change both taxing and all education forever.
The “number 5” by - RNUG - has my full attention.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:31 am
“where are their ideas”
Exactly.
“bills calling for overhaul of public pension benefits, limiting workers compensation awards, repealing what Republicans call “unfunded mandates” on school districts and expanding property tax exemptions for seniors.”
In order: unconstitutional or already performed, unwise and not that impactful, not that impactful, and good but tell guys how to pay for it. Got anything else?
Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:42 am
“They note that Illinois passed significant pension reform in 2013 when it established the “Tier 2” system for newly-hired employees.”
Tier 2 started January 1, 2011.
Comment by Saul Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:48 am
Meanwhile, with all the grousing about the GOP, Illinois and New Jersey are at the top for number of people leaving the past 10 years.
Is weather the number one reason? Nope, it is taxes.
Comment by Pick a Name Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:51 am
=== Meanwhile, with all the grousing about the GOP, Illinois and New Jersey are at the top for number of people leaving the past 10 years.
Is weather the number one reason? Nope, it is taxes.===
Boy, - Pick a Name -, what an utter “fool” you are for seeing ALL this.. and yet here you are. Staying.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:54 am
==The alternative, of course, is further destruction of public education, creating wastelands like Kansas and Oklahoma.==
Illinois residents spend $4,500 more per pupil on education than Kansas. We spend double what OK spends. There is no wanton destruction of education coming our way anytime soon. The only impending calamity is overuse of hyperbole.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:56 am
I will not vote for Fair Tax unless I see a property tax relief plan.
Comment by Groucho Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:57 am
While property tax rates are set locally the State does impact the decisions made locally. The untended consequences of exemptions is many properties have a zero tax bill which means the rest of us are paying more. Look at your county GIS, I did and was shocked how many properties are paying nothing.
Comment by RH Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:57 am
“one school district per county” There school districts in 2 counties. There might even be some in 3.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:15 am
== although I think it would be hard to have one school district in DuPage or Cook or Lake Counties. ==
There are always a few exceptions to a general rule. May need more in those areas you cite. I can also envision a few places you might want to do 2 counties to 1 school district because of the small populations.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:19 am
I’m going to slightly disagree with RNUG on #6. I recently heard Michael Lind say that economies of scale stop improving above 100,000 residents & that above 100,000 it becomes difficult to get a meeting with the mayor. 100,000 residents may be a good figure to run with for how to focus consolidation. Namely try to have school districts smaller than 50,000 merge to get a district between 50,000 & 100,000 residents.
Comment by 62656 Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:29 am
== “one school district per county” There school districts in 2 counties. There might even be some in 3. ==
Olympia, CUSD 16 with the district office in Stanford, IL, covers parts of 5 counties in its 377 square mile district.
Comment by former southerner Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:30 am
The GOPies also “forgot” to mention that unlike other House members of both parties they failed to make a request to release bills from Rules — a process used in the 2nd year of a GA for decades.
SillyGOPies
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:31 am
== I’m going to slightly disagree with RNUG on #6. ==
No problem. Discussion is how you improve ideas.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:32 am
==“Again increased bills…” Mozzachi (R-Elmhurst) said.==
While residing in an city with a new hospital, fantastic schools, and an average home value of $326K…not to mention homes selling in 39 days.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:40 am
===I will not vote for Fair Tax unless I see a property tax relief plan.===
The Fair Tax is literally property tax relief.
Comment by njt Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:16 pm
===Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe winner.===
New Golden Horseshoe category?
To the post: what RNUG said. If the House Republicans were serious about property tax reform, they’d get behind the Fair Tax referendum.
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:21 pm
===Alternatively or in addition, mandate no more than one school district per county===
Agreed. At the very least, force districts with one school to consolidate. For example, the cities of La Salle-Peru in La Salle County have the Peru Elementary School District, the La Salle elementary School District, and the La Salle-Peru Township High School district.
That’s three superintendents, three school district bureaucracies. Four, if you also add in Oglesby Elementary.
Think how much money could be saved if that was one school district.
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:25 pm
- Nick Name -
The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter
- RNUG - has won.
===… they’d get behind the Fair Tax referendum.===
The confusing thing for me with the Raunerites and their anti-fair tax stance is it was first argued by opponents as the “millionaire tax” which backfired, then its trying to be sold as anti-small business, which still leaves only 3% seeing an increase, and last that the progressive income tax will stop job creation and cost jobs, with no data or measurables to that except to stoke fear.
Pushing for significant property tax relief in a bill that can focus on education too with the possibility of the new progressive tax aiding in funding and relief *IS* bedrock old school Republican thinking… if they can let go for 13 minutes this need to be, and show, a favoritism (for lack of a better word, I guess) for the 3%.
They could claim victory on multiple fronts.
But, that takes leadership and keen political acumen. That’s seemingly lacking right now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:31 pm
=I will not vote for Fair Tax unless I see a property tax relief plan.=
This is the tax you get to vote on. If it doesn’t pass I can assure you that you’ll have no say so in the unfair tax that follows.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:32 pm
==The Fair Tax is literally property tax relief==
So now it’s a property tax plan? Is there anything it can’t do? It should have its own Ronco-type infomercial.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:46 pm
“But other Democrats have said the GOP’s chief proposal, for further pension reform, is off the table. They note that Illinois passed significant pension reform in 2013 when it established the “Tier 2” system for newly-hired employees.”
Thank you and exactly right. Substantial pension reform has already been done, starting in 2011, not 2013. The ILGOP would rather go back and cut state workers some more than tax millionaires and other high earners more.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 12:57 pm
“a property tax relief plan.”
Suggest you start at your local school boards. That is where the lions share of your property taxes are going. Attend meetings, get elected, rabble rouse.
What makes you think your property taxes are going to decrease if the State sends more money to a school district? The school boards are like any other bureaucracy, they will spend all of the money available.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 1:03 pm
=== What makes you think your property taxes are going to decrease if the State sends more money to a school district?===
I sure don’t.
But, you completely restructure school funding, starting with legislation to begin the process and then go beyond the local funding mechanism, and always allow local school boards to supplement, that’s a beginning.
The interesting part of that discussion, especially locally will be looking at the monies budgeted over time and then after abd those boards facing voters as to why the numbers begged and after a restructuring finds *their* district not one giving significant relief.
This is still a Herculean type of policy shift.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 1:09 pm
As an independent voter, I’d like to know why the Dems didn’t release a report at the end of their work. Did the discover that some approaches won’t work fiscally or legally? Did they find out the situation is so bad their ideas for reform will fail? Even allowing for GOP intransigence, kthey should have told the public and Governor something.
Comment by revvedup Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 1:27 pm
I have a fresh idea for the Republicans…pick anyone else besides Mozzachi to speak on your behalf. She’s stale and misses more days than she’s in Springfield.
Comment by Wire Tap Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 1:34 pm
Rep. Mussman has no opponent on the ballot at this point.
Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 1:59 pm
== What makes you think your property taxes are going to decrease if the State sends more money to a school district? ==
That is why my suggestion said mandated dollar for dollar reduction in the school district’s property tax levy.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 2:20 pm
=== Assuming the IL GOP is serious ===
Sosnowski has filed two Constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate pension protections.
He has Zero co-sponsors.
Not 43 GOP co-sponsors, or 2/3 of his caucus, or even half.
Zero.
Every time a GOP lawmaker talks about their plans to cut pensions, ask them why their own party isn’t even on board.
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 3:10 pm
===What makes you think your property taxes are going to decrease if the State sends more money to a school district? The school boards are like any other bureaucracy, they will spend all of the money available.===
You obviously have no idea how school districts create their annual budgets.
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 3:13 pm
=Every time a GOP lawmaker talks about their plans to cut pensions, ask them why their own party isn’t even on board.=
Reducing pension benefits is a political strategy not a governing one. It’s magic beans for the uninformed. Not all that different than a 51st state.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 3:30 pm
Local voters can be trusted to persuade their locally elected boards to abate or reduce property taxes when and if those boards have been able to cash the checks from Springfield to run their schools. Forget the promises, send the money. Legislating mandatory property tax reductions that leave a gap between the old and new revenue streams would be disastrous for local schools and the kids they serve. Local officials have watched the State renege on monies that were promised for the State Replacement Tax.
Consolidating Elementary and high school districts with some caps on the number of students served would help. Unfortunately, consolidation doesn’t seem to appeal to those who are directly affected.
Comment by Froganon Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 3:37 pm
If the Republicans were serious about reducing property taxes they would be introducing bills to reduce the countless exemptions that are out there, not expanding it for seniors. Property taxes are the only tax where the amount is determined first and the tax rate is then calculated. Therefore it would be better to reduce the tax levy for everyone instead of making everybody else carry the weight for seniors.
Comment by MyTwoCents Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 5:09 pm
RNUG, good original post. Re: #6: Saving money on administrative overhead is great, and needed. But when leveling up the salaries and benefits it’s a big loser on cost, and it’s not even close.
Comment by Opiate of the Masses Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 8:36 pm
Having trouble hearing the GOP. Did Madigan remodel the floors so the backbench is even further away?
Comment by Touré's Latte Thursday, Mar 5, 20 @ 9:23 am