McHenry Times

Sen. Don DeWitte supports legislation to amend the property tax code to reduce assessed value for affordable rental housing or rehabilitation.

"I love this bill," DeWitte (R-St. Charles) said about the legislation during a recent Senate Revenue Committee hearing. "I've been a big proponent of affordable housing initiatives. During my term as mayor of St. Charles, we had one of the first affordable housing measures in the suburbs with the assistance of the metropolitan planning council."

DeWitte later said he's pretty much on board with any proposal that he believes stands to improve Illinois' housing landscape and especially across his St. Charles' community.

"Even though the schools have some concerns, I can appreciate that, I believe the net result will be additional assessed valuation from these properties, and their revenue streams will rise appropriately," he said. "I intend to support this legislation."

The legislation also seeks to amend the Illinois Housing Development Act so that the Housing Development Authority may create a form and include it with certain financing agreements.

In addition to DeWitte, the measure is sponsored by Reps. Sara Feigenholtz, Robert Peters, Mattie Hunter, Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas and Robert F. Martwick.

Serving as the face of the 33rd District since 2018, DeWitte sits in the Appropriations 11, Education, Revenue, Local Government, and Telecommunications and Info Technology, Transportation and Government Accountability and Pensions committees.

The 33rd District includes all or parts of Batavia, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Lakewood, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Wayne, Geneva, St. Charles, West Dundee, Hampshire, Huntley, Carpentersville, Lake in the Hills and Algonquin.

"Any incentives to promote remodeling, rehabilitation or refurbishment of housing in our state let alone or communities is a great program," DeWitte said.