Commissioner George Cardenas Pushes for Statewide Circuit Breaker Legislation Amidst Drastic Increases in Cook County Property Taxes

Commissioner George Cardenas Pushes for Statewide Circuit Breaker Legislation Amidst Drastic Increases in Cook County Property Taxes (Chicago, IL) – Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas appeals to the General Assembly to pass property tax circuit breaker legislation, a program which reduces homeowners’ and renters’ property tax liability when the tax exceeds a certain percentage of their income.

“Cook County residents are in desperate need of property tax relief. As a Commissioner for the Cook County Board of Review, representing much of the southwest suburbs, my constituents are feeling the financial burden of property taxes most acutely. In fact, some Cook County communities are facing an average increase of 50% in property taxes. Through a circuit breaker program, we can increase residents’ access to affordable and secure housing. It is time for policymakers to prioritize this vital program and help safeguard the economic well-being of our communities,” said Commissioner Cardenas.

Specifically, Cardenas encourages lawmakers to develop a circuit breaker program that:

• Applies to both renters and homeowners
• Includes a maximum annual credit cap and income threshold cap that will be adjusted annually
• Is administered through the state’s income tax system
• Features a standalone rebate option for those not required to file income tax returns

“With the General Assembly having previously implemented a scaled-back circuit breaker initiative applying to senior citizens and people with disabilities, we need new legislation that applies to a wider range of Illinoisans who are struggling with unmanageable property taxes,” said Cardenas. “With my office analyzing and working through property tax appeals, I’d look forward to partnering with the state to design a program that incorporates successful components of the previous circuit breaker legislation while expanding its scale and scope.”

As a former Chicago Alderman, Cardenas has long fought for housing fairness and affordability having served on the Chicago City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate.

Commissioner George Cardenas Pushes for Statewide Circuit Breaker Legislation Amidst Drastic Increases in Cook County Property Taxes

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