Contact: Representative Angelo "Skip" Saviano (708)453-7547


 10/03/2007
Saviano: House Overrides Amendatory Veto on 7-Percent Tax Cap

Springfield, IL - Disappointed that a motion to accept the Governor's enhancement to the 7-percent property tax cap was not considered in the Illinois House of Representatives, State Representative Skip Saviano (R-River Grove) voted to approve the only property tax relief package that is offered to residents.

"Over the past few years, Cook County families and seniors have enjoyed the relief they have received from the property tax assessment cap," said Saviano. "It is vital that we extend the cap for three more years to ensure that residents are not overburdened by rising assessments. Though this legislation may not be the best plan, it does provide families with extended relief from skyrocketing property tax bills."

The property tax cap legislation has been debated by legislators throughout the entire session. In August, the General Assembly approved House Bill 664 that extends the 7-percent tax assessment cap on residential property for three more years. It also included a three-tier maximum exemption amount under the cap of $33,000 for the first year, $26,000 the second year and finally $20,000.

In addition to offering numerous exemptions for long-term homeowners, senior citizens, the disabled, returning veterans from armed conflict, and disabled veterans, the measure creates tax relief for the spouse of a fallen police officer, firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Last month, the Governor amendatory vetoed the bill by making the 7-percent tax assessment cap permanent and increasing the eligibility limit to $40,000 each year. The other provisions of the legislation remained the same.

After an hour and a half debate on the House floor today, the House voted to override the Governor's veto 92 to 19.

During the debate, the House Republicans filed a motion to accept the governor's changes to the bill, however the Democrats would not allow any debate on the Republican motion.

"Clearly the governor's changes to the bill improved the cap for Cook County residents, but his enhancements were not allowed for a vote in the House. To ensure that families continue to benefit from some kind of tax relief, I reluctantly voted for the override," said Saviano.

The fate of property tax relief now lies within the Senate as both chambers must approve the same override of the amendatory veto or else the bill is null and void.