Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois state Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) is one of many GOP lawmakers expressing their frustration over the lack of urgency demonstrated by the Democrat-led Property Tax Relief Task Force.

“Without a doubt, the issue I hear most about from the people I represent is the crushing property tax burden that is driving their friends, families and businesses out of our state,” Wehrli said in a recent press release. “I know I’m not the only General Assembly member hearing that from constituents, so you would think that would have been the impetus Democrats needed to get something done with a task force supposedly dedicated to property tax relief. But once again, another task force has been a waste of time.”

Several media outlets have reported that Republicans assigned to the 88-member committee have refused to sign off on a draft report amid complaints that it did not adequately reflect their recommendations and offered no structural changes for a system they see as deeply flawed.  

“This episode is another perfect example of the utter uselessness of task forces.” Wehrli said. “Our state’s history is one failed task force after another because the simple fact is they are not really about getting anything done, but placating General Assembly members so they can look good at home and then keep quiet for the Speaker and his cronies to continue to run business as usual. Taxpayers deserve better.”

Wehrli voiced his concerns at a press conference held at the Thompson Center in Chicago, where he was joined by fellow Reps. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton), Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst), Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs).