McHenry Times

Echoing the sentiments of his fellow Republicans that other Illinois lawmakers are not prioritizing important bills, state Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) called for an urgent response to the rising property tax in the state.

At a recent news conference, Ugaste emphasized how vital the matter is to his district.

"We finished another week of session and we've yet to address one of the biggest problems this state faces that all voters tell us no matter where they are within the state — that's our property taxes," Ugaste said. "I can tell you this is the top issue for my constituents."

Ugaste also connected the soaring property taxes and cost of living to the decision of many Illinoisans to leave the state.

"Recently released census (data) shows we are losing people," Ugaste said. "We are one of three states in the entire nation losing people and that's why we're losing congressional seats. This is one of the biggest reasons I hear about why people are leaving the state other than lack of opportunity for their kids, that’s why young people tend to leave.”

He also pointed out that other than the ethics and pension problems, the state House needs to tackle property taxes as an urgent concern. He called on the governor to keep his campaign promise to achieve a bipartisan solution to the property tax problem of Illinois.

"Gov. Pritzker said ‘I'm committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to convene a task force where they can engage in conversations on how to reduce the burden of property taxes felt by homeowners.’ That was his quote,” Ugaste said before pertaining to the lack of reception the task force has had so far. "The relief task force that was created on which I sat and spent a number of hours of my time trying to do something to help the people in my district, as well as the rest of the state, amounted to absolutely nothing. Not one bill has been called on the floor. "

One of his bills that have not been heard is HB2544, which would mandate that a taxing body refund any surplus tax collection to the taxpayers.