Republican State Rep. Candidate Anita Forte-Scott Offers Plan to Bring Relief to Cook County Families and Seniors Struggling with Skyrocketing Property Taxes
July 30, 2008
Schaumburg, IL - Due to the financial hardship that skyrocketing property taxes have on working families and seniors throughout Cook County , Anita Forte-Scott , Republican Nominee for the 56th State Representative District, introduced a plan that would deliver immediate property tax relief and put money back into the pockets of Illinois residents.
Included as part of their Agenda for Action, Forte-Scott and House Republicans propose:
- Increasing the Homestead Exemption from $6,000 to $7,500 and increasing the Senior Homestead Exemption from $4,000 to $5,500
- Doubling the Income Tax Credit from 5% to 10% to Increase the Property Tax Rebate
"Families, seniors, and veterans are being overtaxed because they own a home," said Forte-Scott. "Under my 'Agenda for Action' legislation, it will combat ever-increasing property taxes and offer immediate relief to all homeowners."
The Homestead Exemption is applied against the assessed value of a home to reduce the assessment. Seniors can utilize both the General and Senior Homestead Exemptions; and families can utilize only the General Homestead Exemption. Under Forte-Scott's plan, a senior's $200,000 home assessment would be lowered to $187,000 and their property taxes would be reduced.
"Families need relief from skyrocketing property taxes and they need it now," said Forte-Scott. "Rising property tax prices, high gas prices and expensive tuition bills are putting families at a difficult financial crossroad."
Additionally, all Illinois homeowners receive a 5% credit on their income taxes for property taxes paid. A homeowner who pays $5,500 in property taxes currently receives a $275 tax credit; but under Forte-Scott's plan, the credit would double to $550.
"Ever growing property taxes are forcing seniors out of their homes and pushing young families away from our communities," Forte-Scott said. "As State Representative, I will introduce legislation that offers incentives for families to live in Schaumburg and to keep seniors in their homes. Property tax relief is an investment in our community's future."
The 56th Representative District includes most of Schaumburg and Roselle, as well as parts of Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows , Hanover Park and Bloomingdale.
House Republican Leader Tom Cross and House Republicans Unveil “Agenda for Action”
July 24, 2008
Arlington Heights...Charting a course to get Illinois back on track, Illinois House Republicans today announced their "Agenda for Action," a seven-point agenda to restore job creation, fiscal responsibility and tax reduction to a state that has suffered from six years of reckless Democrat tax and spend policies. House Republicans held several press conferences and three town halls across Illinois to introduce the Agenda to voters and listen to their suggestions and concerns.
The "Agenda for Action" crafted by House Republican Leader Tom Cross and the House Republican Caucus outlines seven key legislative goals that Republicans will work to achieve for Illinois families. The agenda includes the following:
- Creating Jobs While Repairing And Rebuilding Illinois
- Demanding Fiscal Responsibility And A True Balanced Budget
- Delivering Real Property Tax Relief
- Enacting The Nation's Toughest Anti-Corruption Laws
- Providing Security And Safety For Victims Of Domestic Violence
- Creating Cyber-Safety Laws That Protect Children From Online Predators
- Aiding Families In Affording A College Education
“We can make Illinois great again,” said House Republican Leader Tom Cross. “This agenda represents the goals, values and principles of every Illinoisan. Now we must work together to restore hope and deliver results.”
According to State Representative Rosemary Mulligan, one of the most critical challenges facing Illinois is making government work again and improving the economy. Reckless Democrat tax and spend policies have ballooned Illinois' budget by more than $6 billion over the last six years while tax increases have put great strain on Illinois families and employers, said Mulligan.
"Now more than ever, we must make the needs of Illinois families our guiding light. Our priorities include creating jobs, providing tax relief and reducing the size and cost of government," said Mulligan. "The days of dysfunctional unbalanced budgets, costly special sessions and tax increases must end in order to move Illinois forward."
In addition to fiscal responsibility, job creation and tax relief, the "Agenda for Action" also focuses on issues like domestic violence, cyber-safety for children, higher education and government corruption.
Joining Cross at the town hall meeting was State Representatives Mark Beaubien and Rosemary Mulligan, along with Republican candidates for State Representative Anita Forte-Scott, Peggy Brothman, James Tatooles and Christine Prochno.
"We have a united team in Cook County and throughout the state that is ready to rebuild Illinois. Cook County residents are now paying the highest sales tax in the nation. Our plan would put taxpayers first and eliminate wasteful government spending. We ask that you join us in changing the way business is done in Springfield," Mulligan said.
Property taxes are a major concern for Cook County residents according to Anita Forte-Scott.
"In today's tough economy, rising property taxes are becoming financially unbearable for many of the families and seniors in my area. I am proud to support this "Agenda for Action" and I am confident that we will secure comprehensive property tax relief in Springfield," said Forte-Scott.
"The families and seniors in Cook County need real property tax relief. Many seniors are on fixed incomes and are struggling to afford the cost of everyday essentials like food and medicine," said James Tatooles.
Additionally, Republicans plan to make the Internet a safer place for children and young adults. "Our children have become so technologically savvy and unfortunately criminals are using the internet to prey on innocent children. Our "Agenda for Action" puts necessary safeguards in place to reduce the likelihood of these crimes," said Peggy Brothman, Republican nominee for State Representative of the 44th District.
Rising tuition costs are making college unattainable for more and more families in Illinois. "As a teacher, I know first-hand the importance of helping children go to college. Our "Agenda for Action" will make college more affordable, and will offer hope for a brighter Illinois," said Christine Prochno, Republican nominee for State Representative of the 66th District.
According to Cross, the Republican "Agenda for Action" was created by listening to the needs of thousands of residents across Illinois.
"Illinois residents deserve a state government that is accountable to the people not to special interests groups. Instead of talking about making Illinois great again; this November, families can actually vote to make it happen," Cross said.
