Dan Ugaste, Illinois State Representative for 65th District | Official Website
Dan Ugaste, Illinois State Representative for 65th District | Official Website
Last week, Governor Pritzker declared property tax reforms a legislative priority as he plans to seek a third term. Despite his seven-year tenure and the Democratic supermajority's control, no reforms have been enacted to address Illinois' high property tax rates.
Illinois ranks second worst in effective property tax rates nationwide, according to Rocket Mortgage. Additionally, SmartAsset identified Peoria as having the highest property taxes relative to median home value in the country.
Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) criticized the Governor's recent stance: “It is absolutely outrageous for the Governor and Democrat supermajority to now come out and say they want to lower property taxes in Illinois.” He questioned the sincerity of these intentions after years of inaction. Ugaste emphasized his readiness to collaborate on reform efforts: “I’ve filed real legislation to provide relief, and I’ll drive to Springfield today if the Governor is ready to finally stand up for working families and join me."
He further challenged Governor Pritzker: “If the Governor is serious, then stop campaigning and start governing. Call a Special Session. Let’s vote." Ugaste highlighted his bill, HB 9, which proposes $2.8 billion in property tax relief this year alone. Once fully implemented, it could reduce some areas' property tax levy by 50 percent and potentially save taxpayers around $82 billion over 21 years.