Republican lawmaker says Illinois' property taxes are crippling residents, urges reforms

A Republican lawmaker accused Governor Pritzker and Democratic policies of failing to address what the speaker called "the highest property taxes in the nation," saying the taxes make life unaffordable for homeowners, businesses and renters across Illinois. The lawmaker argued the state "has the controls" over many drivers of local tax burdens and urged the legislature to act.

The speaker cited recent bills and a 30-year Cook County property-tax report as evidence of policy-driven cost pressures and said Republican proposals exist to lower taxes. "We can lower property taxes," the lawmaker said, adding that previous task-force efforts produced no results. The speaker closed by warning of outmigration and urging lawmakers to pursue concrete reforms.