“Veterans who come back with severe disabilities often have a difficult time readjusting to civilian life and finding work.  The least we can do is give them some property tax relief—especially since they often have to live in specially adapted homes.”  - State Senator Michael Noland

Springfield, Ill. – At the suggestion of two local veterans, State Senator Michael Noland, who served in the Navy, is sponsoring a plan to make it easier for disabled veterans to qualify for property tax relief.

“Our veterans have given up so much for our country. They deserve to get something in return,” Noland said.  “We owe a special debt to the brave men and women who were injured in the line of duty. Their sacrifice has helped keep us all safe.”

Noland’s proposal allows veterans who are at least 70% disabled to qualify for the disabled veteran’s homestead exemption—a significant property tax break.  Under current law, a veteran must live in a home adapted by the federal government for the veteran’s disability and have a certain combination of physical disabilities.

The property tax break reduces the equalized assessed value of qualifying veterans’ homes by 70,000, which means that they can live in housing units worth up to $210,000 without paying any taxes.

“Veterans who come back with severe disabilities often have a difficult time readjusting to civilian life and finding work,” Noland explained.  “The least we can do is give them some property tax relief—especially since they often have to live in specially adapted homes.”

“Though I don’t like it, I realize that we are competing with other states for jobs and companies.  I know that there will be more economic development agreements in the future.  What I’m trying to do is make sure that the state of the Illinois drives a harder bargain next time.”  - State Senator Michael Noland

Springfield, Ill. – Last fall, State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) was frustrated by the legislature’s rush to give Sears and other companies a massive tax break.  He felt that the state gave up too much too quickly and could have reached an agreement that was much more favorable to the taxpayers. This year, he is trying to pass a law that will better protect the taxpayers’ interest the next time a big company comes to the state looking for a handout. 

“Though I don’t like it, I realize that we are competing with other states for jobs and companies,” Noland explained.  “I know that there will be more economic development agreements in the future. What I’m trying to do is make sure that the state of the Illinois drives a harder bargain next time.” 

Under Noland’s legislation, before an Economic Development Area (EDA) agreement can be extended, the majority of the effected local governments must agree.  If a school district rejects the agreement, it will be able to continue collecting property taxes as if the EDA did not exist. Noland’s plan also guarantees that when a company sells out to another company, the buyer will not automatically get the tax break.  Instead, it must get the approval of the majority of local governments first. 

One of the biggest issues with Sears’ EDA agreement last year was that School District 300 felt that it was not getting its fair share of property tax revenue, hampering its ability to provide the best possible education to local students. 

“I thought that School District 300 raised some very legitimate points about the Sears Economic Development Agreement,” Noland said.  “I want to make sure that we address local people’s concerns the next time we debate corporate tax breaks.  That’s what this legislation is all about.” 

Noland’s legislation has passed the Senate and now goes to the Illinois House.

I am pleased to share with you an update to District 22 constituents on key issues I am engaged in at the Capitol. This update is being printed and will be sent to our mailing list in early January; I wanted to make it accessible to you now.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me. Thank you.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 22^nd Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly, and the services I can provide you.

Right now, my top priorities are bringing more jobs to the Fox River Valley, finding a responsible solution to Illinois’ budget crisis, and putting an end to business as usual in Springfield. I have successfully helped Siemens Winergy create more jobs, passed legislation creating the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, and have passed comprehensive government reforms including giving voters the right to recall unfit governors in Illinois. I also have pushed tough campaign finance reform laws, opposed excessive borrowing, and fought to protect education and other basic social services.

I always welcome feedback from my constituents, so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me. I also hold periodic town-hall meetings, roundtables, and satellite office hours. Check the Constituent Services section of my website to learn about upcoming events.

Sincerely,

State Senator Michael Noland