HR1132 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1132 LRB100 22154 ALS 40759 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Taxes in the south suburbs are at an all-time high; and

WHEREAS, The south suburbs have failed to produce on three solid economic restoration projects, including the third airport, the Metra revitalization, and the I-57 corridor project; and

WHEREAS, Many local economies are barely surviving, and taxes are driving residents out of the area; schools are relying on increased taxes to fund programs, and many programs are being cancelled; and

WHEREAS, A five-year special tax designation program will seek to provide needed redress to the high tax system, provided that municipalities buy into the program and commit resources to spur real economic development, combined with funds from the State's infrastructure program; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the General Assembly to grant a five-year special tax for the south suburbs, which allows flat-rate taxes for alternating years for homeowners and businesses; homeowners would pay a flat rate of $4,500 per year if they have lived in their homes for seven or more years; the next year, any commercial business would pay a flat rate of $65,000 if they have been in business for seven or more years; new or existing businesses that employ more than fifteen to 25 people would only pay a flat rate in the year of the flat-rate tax system; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the special tax goes into effect providing that each community passes an ordinance or corresponding resolution accepting the flat tax rate, and that each municipality submits a three to five year redevelopment plan that addresses the creation of new businesses, housing market stabilization, black and Hispanic contracting goals, and a youth employment plan.