(Springfield, IL) — State Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) and other House members today announced the formation of a Property Tax Relief Conference and released an open letter outlining what it will take to earn their support for any Mega Projects bill or PILOT legislation to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
After years of inaction on Illinois’ property tax crisis, members of the Conference say they are stepping up to lead and push for real relief for families across the state.
“For too long, Illinois families and small businesses have been crushed by high property taxes while Gov. Pritzker and House Democrats have failed to act,” Ugaste said. “Time and again, we have heard lip service about property tax relief, but no real solutions have followed. We are done waiting.”
In their open letter, Conference members make clear they are open to supporting a world-class stadium and recognize the economic value it could bring to Illinois. But they also say any agreement must include meaningful, statewide property tax relief for homeowners and must not place even more burden on taxpayers.
At a minimum, House Republicans are calling for:
- All property tax referendums to appear only on November ballots.
- An end to back-door referendums, including bond rollovers without voter approval.
House Republicans have already introduced other proposals aimed at delivering property tax relief.
House Republicans say the Conference will release a broader list of solutions by May.
“Our message is simple,” Ugaste said. “No real reform, no votes.”
