South Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour is one of the most vocal supporters of Rep. Jeanne Ives' (R-Wheaton) resolution in opposition to any new statewide property tax.

“I support this resolution and would be proud to put my name on it,” Wilhour told the South Central Reporter. “Homeowners in Illinois are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation and our homes, which are most families’ biggest investment, have already lost a lot of value due to our poor economy. We simply can’t afford it. Our economy has lost too much already.”

Ives stepped forward to introduce House Resolution 1072 after several lawmakers began advancing the idea of a 1 percent assessment tax for the next 30 years as a way of funding the state’s spiraling pension liabilities.

Blaine Wilhour

Wilhour counters there has to be a better way than adding another assessment on already overburdened taxpayers.

“My focus will be on working through this mess with pension reform, spending controls and promoting sound pro-growth economic policies that will allow our economy to grow,” said the Beecher City Republican running for representative in the 107th District.

Wilhour said he believes if enough concerned lawmakers can actually get the resolution to the House floor, good things can come from it.

“If we could get this to the floor for a vote, I believe there should be some bipartisan support,” he said. “I won’t hold my breath waiting on Speaker (Mike) Madigan (D-Chicago) allowing a vote. I wouldn’t be surprised if, like most good bills, it dies in the Rules Committee. Hopefully, they come to their senses and I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Currently, property taxes across Illinois stand at an average of 2.67 percent, the highest levels in the nation. In a working-class community in south Cook County, the average is nearly double that at over 5 percent.