State vs. local property tax debate rages in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says property taxes are a local issue, but a county treasurer’s report says hefty tax increases are allowed by state law.

The governor was asked about property tax relief at an event in Chicago on Monday.

“Well, I want to remind you that property taxes are not determined by the state of Illinois, but rather by local governments, indeed, local units of government, including school boards, park boards, library boards, municipalities, etc,” Pritzker said.

The governor then pointed to the minority party in Illinois.

“So I think people sometimes get confused. I know the Republican Party in Illinois is quite confused and thinks that this is a state issue when it is actually a local issue,” Pritzker said.

Americans for Prosperity Illinois Deputy State Director Brian Costin said the governor’s statement is false.

“It is absolutely a state issue. If Gov. Pritzker doesn’t understand that, he doesn’t understand what the state constitution is about and that local governments are created by the state government,” Costin told The Center Square.

A report by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said loopholes in state law allowed local officials to raise taxes at twice the rate of inflation and also higher than wage growth from 1994 to 2025.

Pritzker said school boards ratcheted up property taxes even though the state increased public education funding.

Costin said local officials are pointing fingers at state government and state government is pointing right back.

“As a result, we have total incompetence in the state of Illinois when it comes to the issue of property taxes. It’s no surprise that we have the number one property taxes in the nation,” Costin said.

Costin said there are catastrophic situations in Illinois, including property taxes above 4.5% for residents in the Chicago suburb of Harvey.

“People leave. Homes get foreclosed upon, they get abandoned. Businesses leave, they go to other states. If 4.5% property tax rates are okay for Gov. Pritzker, he is cosigning the state of Illinois to economic ruin,” Costin said.

Costin said property taxes in Indiana are half what they are in Illinois after voters in the Hoosier State passed a tax cap amendment.