Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, addressed concerns over property and estate taxes during a Meet and Greet event at Leon Corzine Farm. He said that farmers are being squeezed by some of the nation’s highest property and estate taxes and pledged to pursue structural reforms to reduce these financial burdens.
“Every farmer I’ve visited across Illinois says their number one issue is property taxes, with estate taxes as a close runner up,” said Dabrowski. “Illinois property taxes are the highest in the nation, and they grow year after year. Seven years in, Gov. Pritzker has done nothing to reform the tax that continues to drive more residents and businesses out. As governor, I will focus on enacting the structural reforms that can finally bring property taxes down.”
The event at Leon Corzine’s family farm brought Dabrowski face-to-face with central Illinois corn and soybean producers. According to Dabrowski, every farmer he visits identifies property taxes as their primary concern, followed closely by estate taxes that threaten the continuity of farms when passed down to children. Corzine, a former chairman of the National Corn Growers Association, has consistently highlighted the costs and uncertainties faced by farmers, making his farm an appropriate venue for discussing ways to keep Illinois agriculture competitive.
Multiple analyses indicate that Illinois homeowners bear one of the heaviest property tax burdens in the United States. Research from the Illinois Policy Institute and Civic Federation reveals that residents pay approximately two percent of a home’s value annually, significantly higher than many neighboring states and the national average. This burden is compounded by high income and sales taxes, often cited as reasons families, retirees, and businesses consider relocating for financial relief.
Illinois also imposes its own estate tax, managed by the attorney general’s office. This tax applies above a multimillion-dollar exemption and can reach double-digit rates on amounts exceeding that threshold. Estate-planning experts warn that land-rich but cash-poor farm families are particularly vulnerable because modern land values can easily push estates above this limit. Legal and advisory groups note that combined federal and state estate taxes can consume more than half the value of larger estates, forcing heirs to sell land or equipment.
Dabrowski is a conservative policy analyst and Republican gubernatorial candidate who previously led Wirepoints, an Illinois research group focused on state taxes, pensions, and debt. His campaign platform emphasizes cutting property taxes, reforming pensions, restoring public safety, and enhancing competitiveness for families, farmers, and small businesses in Illinois.
