Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson called for property tax relief and addressed several legislative topics in a Capitol News Update released on April 17. Swanson, a Republican elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 71st House District, discussed ongoing concerns about high property taxes, fireworks legislation, Second Amendment rights, and upcoming community events.
Swanson said many Illinois residents will soon receive their property tax bills and continue to pay some of the highest rates in the country. He said he joined other House Republicans to form a Property Tax Relief Conference and set conditions for supporting any major project bills this spring. “The time for reform is now,” Swanson said. He added that while lawmakers are open to supporting a stadium bill related to the Chicago Bears, they want reforms that benefit all Illinois taxpayers.
Swanson outlined proposals such as increasing transparency and citizen involvement in property tax decisions by requiring referendums on November ballots when turnout is highest. He also called for ending back-door referendums and bond rollovers without voter approval. “Our message is simple. No real reform, no votes,” he quoted one of his colleagues as saying.
On another issue, Swanson spoke against legislation that would reclassify certain fireworks as novelty items without regulation. He cited risks such as injuries and increased insurance costs seen in other states after similar changes were made. As an Iraq War veteran, Swanson expressed concern about how unregulated fireworks could negatively affect veterans: “The unanticipated sounds, sights and smell of neighborhood fireworks can easily trigger anxiety and cause painful flashbacks for our combat vets.”
Swanson also reported on Illinois Gun Owners’ Lobby Day at the Capitol where citizens advocated for Second Amendment rights. He mentioned efforts to block House Bill 4414—which would have required serial numbers on handgun ammunition—and House Bill 3320 (the RIFL Act), which did not advance out of committee this spring.
He invited constituents to attend the fourth annual Autism Awareness Event at Galesburg Public Library on April 23 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., offering resources and activities related to autism advocacy.
Swanson was elected in 2023 following previous state representative Donald L. Moffitt according to Ballotpedia.
