TAX NEWS - 2010

Illinois Tax Relief: Governor Quinn Introduces Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010

CHICAGO -- Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled legislation that will provide extensive and much-needed property tax relief to millions of taxpayers while also pressing for greater citizen participation and openness in the tax assessment process.

This week, Governor Quinn will present the legislation, called the Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010, to the Illinois General Assembly. Throughout my public life I have fought for taxpayers and for tax fairness.

This legislation is an important step in achieving these important goals and I am proud to present this legislation to the General Assembly, said Governor Quinn. I urge state lawmakers to consider this bill and to make it the law of the land.

Governor Quinns Homeowners Property Tax Relief Initiative of 2010, HB 6863, centers on three major points: Create the Taxpayer Action Board. Under the proposed legislation, every county in Illinois could form a Taxpayer Action Board either through a county board resolution or petition drive and ballot referendum.

The Taxpayer Action Board would be membership-only group modeled after the highly-successful Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a statewide utility watchdog and consumer advocate. In contrast, the Taxpayer Action Board would advocate for the states property taxpayers.

The Taxpayer Action Board would be an independent, non-partisan advocacy group designed to empower taxpayers and assist in appealing their property tax bills and assessments.