Stadelman disappointed that property tax relief proposal fails in Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Bill 316, a proposal for a two-year freeze on property taxes, failed in the Illinois Senate today. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) supported the legislation.

“Meaningful property tax relief is one of the most important issues to the Rockford area. Families and seniors who have lived in their homes their entire lives are being forced out of their neighborhoods because of skyrocketing taxes. It’s truly unfortunate my colleagues couldn’t support this legislation on behalf of middle-class families,” said Stadelman.

Because of the current school funding, a significant portion of property tax dollars go to local schools. Senate Bill 316 also included a provision to end the current formula. Many studies show it is the most inequitable in the country and disproportionately hurts communities without vast local resources. Under the current formula, Rockford area schools don’t receive their fair share of funding. The state would have two years to create a new formula.

“Illinois needs meaningful property tax relief and a more equitable solution to funding public schools. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fix these problems plaguing working families,” said Stadelman.

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Stadelman backed proposal to increase funding for Rockford schools signed by Rauner

• Education
• Schools

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued the following statement after Gov. Rauner signed House Bill 3763 into law, funding Illinois public schools. Because of a change in the funding formula, schools without access to vast local resources will receive additional state funding. Rockford School District will receive almost an additional $11 million, while Harlem School District will receive almost an additional $1.5 million.

“I applaud Governor Rauner for putting aside political gamesmanship to ensure that our children are able to go back to school this August. This legislation, which I co-sponsored on behalf of Rockford-area schools, will result in more than $12 million in additional funding for our school districts. These additional funds will help prevent potential teacher layoffs and school closings, and hopefully reduce the burden on property taxpayers.

“While there is still much work to be done, this shows bipartisan cooperation results in the best outcome for our state. Thanks to Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and a Republican governor, Rockford area schools are a clear winner.”