Illinois Proposal Could Lead To More Property Tax Cuts

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Springfield, IL (AP) - A proposal could give more Illinois voters a chance to lower their property taxes.

The State Journal-Register reports that the proposal would give voters in almost 40 counties with property tax limits the ability to add a referendum on the ballot to lower their taxes. Counties not covered by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, or PTELL, already have such an option.

The law limits property tax growth but doesn't stop it.

Republican Sen. Dan McConchie is sponsoring the proposal. He says state Department of Revenue numbers show that PTELL counties outside the Chicago area have seen property taxes increase by 260 percent since 1990. Taxes in non-PTELL counties have seen a 222 percent increase.

The proposal comes as legislation to freeze property taxes remains stalled in the state Legislature.