Springfield -- The Illinois House of Representatives
today approved House Bill 4738, legislation co-sponsored by State Rep.
George Scully (D-Flossmoor) that would allow Illinois seniors who lack
taxable income to receive the same tax rebate provided to Illinois homeowners
who file state income tax returns. A measure passed by the General Assembly
last spring provided property tax rebates of up to $300 to Illinois homeowners,
but excluded many senior citizens that do not file state income tax returns.
"This legislation is about simple fairness
to Illinois seniors," Scully explained. "Many senior citizens do not pay
state income taxes on their pensions or Social Security income and, in
turn, do not file state income tax returns. Because the original tax relief
package we passed last spring was linked to the 5% property tax credit
homeowners claim on their state income tax forms, many Illinois seniors
were left out. This legislation will ensure every Illinois senior receives
the 5% property tax rebate they deserve."
This summer, many angry senior citizens
complained that they had been excluded from the tax relief package approved
by the state legislature last spring. When local seniors asked Rep. Scully
to address the problem, he pledged to address the situation during the
fall veto session. Scully's legislation, cleared its first legislative
hurdle when the House Revenue Committee approved it on November 15th. Today,
the House of Representatives passed the measure with overwhelming, bipartisan
support.
"We scored a key victory for Illinois seniors
today but the fate of this bill now rests with the Illinois State Senate,"
Scully explained. "In recent weeks, Senate President Philip has indicated
that he might not allow this measure to be called for a vote. With this
in mind, I strongly urge senior citizens to contact their local State Senators
to demand that this legislation be voted on before the close of veto session
this Thursday."
According to legislative estimates, as
many as 200,000 Illinois seniors would benefit from the passage of House
Bill 4738. The measure provides that any individual who paid residential
property taxes in 1999 is entitled to a restructured rebate in an amount
equal to 5% of those property taxes paid, not exceeding $300. The measure
would require the Illinois Department of Revenue to provide an application
form and make all rebate payments no later than May 1, 2001.
State Rep. George Scully represents the
80th District which includes all, or portions of, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,
Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, Steger
and all of Crete Township (Will County).