Kane County Reporter

At a press conference held in Springfield, Illinois, Rep. Dan Ugaste and Rep. Tim Ozinga unveiled their plan to address the issue of opportunity deserts and high property taxes that are adversely affecting the state's economically vulnerable population. Former state representative Mark Batinick also joined the conference to show his support for the initiative.

Opportunity deserts are areas where high property taxes have driven out businesses and hindered commercial growth, leading to a detrimental economic cycle that burdens existing homeowners. The most affected by these soaring tax rates are seniors, the unemployed, under-employed, poor, and minorities.

To illustrate the disparity in property tax rates, two towns in Cook County were highlighted. Winnetka, with an average household income of $400,000 and a demographic makeup of only 1.8 percent Black or Latino, has a commercial property tax rate of 7.465 percent. In contrast, Harvey, with an average household income of $41,000 and a demographic makeup of 92 percent Black or Latino, has an assessed property tax rate nearly four times higher at 28.579 percent.

In response to this issue, Rep. Ozinga introduced House Bill 4866, which Rep. Ugaste co-sponsored. This bill proposes the implementation of an annual program that would award property tax relief to school districts in the state. The Fixed Pension Payment Property Tax Relief Plan aims to link pension costs and property tax relief to a certain percentage of each year's budget. As pension costs decrease as a proportion of the overall budget in the coming years, a pool of resources would be created to provide funds to school districts, thereby reducing their property tax levy. Once fully implemented, some districts could experience a 50 percent reduction in their property tax levy.

The implementation of property tax relief is expected to stimulate organic growth and provide a way out for areas afflicted by opportunity deserts. Illinois House Republicans are eager to collaborate with Democrats to implement these solutions and alleviate the burden on homeowners and property owners in the state.

Rep. Ugaste emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, "Areas in southern Cook County and around the state have continued to suffer as the situation has worsened. We must act to help those of our citizens who are being crushed by these enormous property tax rates."

Rep. Ozinga outlined the key aspect of the plan, stating, "With the passage of this legislation, school districts would be required to lower their property tax levies to an amount equal to the relief. The time to ignore this issue has ended, and the problem is not going away. Lawmakers need to step up and provide real solutions to help our most vulnerable residents."

Former Rep. Batinick highlighted the consequences of the current system, stating, "The high property tax rates make it economically unviable for companies to invest in areas even if they have terrific infrastructure. By working to dramatically lower property taxes, we can spur economic growth that can lead to an increase in jobs and a decrease in crime."

For further explanation on how this plan works, a video is available on Rep. Ugaste's website at RepUgaste.com. Rep. Ozinga represents the 37th House District, and more information about him can be found at RepOzinga.org. Rep. Ugaste serves the 65th House District, and more information about him can be found at RepUgaste.com.

In conclusion, Reps. Ugaste and Ozinga's plan to combat opportunity deserts and provide property tax relief aims to address the economic challenges faced by Illinois' most vulnerable citizens. By linking pension costs and property tax relief, the plan seeks to create a sustainable solution that will lower property taxes and foster economic growth in the affected areas. With bipartisan collaboration, these solutions can provide much-needed relief for homeowners and property owners in the state.