Sente Files Bill to Block Bonuses for Tax Officials

I filed legislation last week to eliminate the “performance stipend” bonus given each year to many suburban township assessors just for doing the job they were elected to do.

At a time when so many homeowners are struggling with high property tax bills, Illinois is adding insult to injury by awarding township assessors large bonuses just for doing their job. I am tired of taxpayer money being flushed down the drain to line the pockets of politicians. It is time to end these bonuses and focus on protecting taxpayers of this state from future abuse.

House Bill 6227 would block the $3,000 bonus awarded when assessors simply comply with state law assessing properties. These bonuses cost taxpayers over half a million dollars each year. I have made skyrocketing property tax bills a top priority, recently co-sponsoring legislation that would prohibit increases in property tax levies when home values are in decline. According to Forbes, Lake County property taxes are in the top 25 of the nearly 3,000 counties in the United States.

Unfair property tax hikes are making it harder for our families and senior citizens to remain in their own homes. At a time when so many families are trimming their budgets to get by in this economy, government must do the same.

Homeowners who wish to join the fight against rising property taxes can sign my petition at http://www.votecarolsente.com/property_tax_petition.php.