Governor JB Pritzker recently suggested that local governments and school boards are responsible for Illinois’ high property taxes. However, that explanation overlooks the significant role his policies play in shaping those costs.
While property taxes are collected locally, the state determines school funding levels, imposes mandates, and establishes policies that directly impact local budgets. When state funding falls short, local governments are often left with few options but to rely more heavily on property taxes.
Illinois continues to rank among the states most reliant on local property taxes to fund education, placing a heavy burden on homeowners.
In addition, unfunded mandates imposed by the Governor and Democratic lawmakers continue to increase costs for schools and local governments. Without sufficient state funding to support those mandates, local districts are forced to pass those costs on to taxpayers.
Recent budget decisions by the Governor and his allies have only made the problem worse. The Governor’s budget excluded $43 million in property tax relief funding last year, and that funding is not included in his current proposal.
These decisions limit opportunities to provide relief and shift more responsibility onto local communities.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are advancing proposals to reduce the burden on homeowners, including expanding homestead exemptions, increasing property tax credits, improving transparency, and providing long-term relief for homeowners.
Meaningful property tax relief will require action by the Democratic-controlled state government, not shifting blame to local officials.
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