Prairie State Wire

On April 8, Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) filed a bill to establish guidelines to provide Illinois residents with property tax relief during public health emergencies—such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Skillicorn's office issued the following statement:

““During this difficult time we find ourselves in with the coronavirus, families ordered to stay at home have enough to worry about. Property taxes should be the last item to burden residents during this or any other time of a public health emergency,” said Skillicorn. “I am putting forward this legislation to help bring peace of mind to the people of Illinois during this crisis and any future crises that may arise. We are all feeling the weight of this virus and the uncertainty accompanying it for families and their means of income.”

This particular legislation proposes that, when the governor issues a public health emergency disaster declaration for the whole state, the first installment of property taxes be extended 90 days from the usual due date. There would be no penalties or interest during the 90-day extension, under Skillicorn's proposal.  

“What this legislation proposes to do is provide some breathing room for Illinois families. With property taxes continuing to skyrocket, the least we can do during a crisis is allow a delay in payment so families can focus on what is most important,” said Skillicorn. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this bill forward and get it passed. The State of Illinois owes it to our communities.”

Skillicorn has represented the 66th House District of Illinois since January 2017. He is a lifelong resident of the Fox River Valley, and currently lives with his wife Heather, in East Dundee.