Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Nicole La Ha shared information about a press conference on property taxes, stating, "I was grateful for the opportunity to join my colleagues Reps. Ugaste and Hass to address the property tax crisis here in Illinois at a press conference today," in a Sept. 19 Facebook post.

"I was grateful for the opportunity to join my colleagues Reps. Ugaste and Hass to address the property tax crisis here in Illinois at a press conference today," said Nicole La Ha Zweircan, State Representative, according to Facebook. "It's time for real change and genuine relief for all our families and I am committed to making that happen."

In her Facebook post, Rep. La Ha shared a link to a Fox 32 article about the Sept. 19 press conference, where legislators discussed a proposal to fix the high property tax issue. According to Fox 32, the solution includes a change to school funding and redirection of money that has been earmarked for pension obligations. "With the percentage of our state budget dedicated to pensions decreasing over time, there's an opportunity to redirect those savings to property tax relief," said State Rep. Nicole La Ha in the Sept. 19 article.

Screenshot of State Rep. Nicole La Ha's Sept. 19 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Facebook page.

In a previous Facebook post, she shared a link to an Illinois Policy article. The article noted that the average Illinois property tax bill increased by $756 from 2018 to 2022 across 61 Illinois counties, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2022, the typical Illinois homeowner paid $5,055 in property taxes, which is more than double the typical American homeowner’s $2,457 bill. The report also noted that Illinois homeowners paid more in property taxes than those in Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and South Carolina combined.

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) states there is no set property tax rate in the state. Most properties are assessed at one-third of their fair market value. Farmland is assessed based on its ability to produce income; farm buildings are assessed at one-third of their contribution to farm productivity; home sites and dwellings are assessed at one-third of their market value. According to the IDOR Taxpayer Answer Center page on property tax rates, Cook County residents may see assessments of 10% for residential properties and 25% for commercial properties.

La Ha was recently appointed to fill the vacancy in the 82nd State House District following John Egofske's resignation. The former Mrs. America previously served as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). She brings an extensive background in public advocacy and active involvement in charitable committees. La Ha received the 2018 International Humanitarian Award for exceptional community service. Her campaign website highlights her commitment to community service and her election to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021. Throughout her term, she opposed tax increases and played a pivotal role in enhancing life quality for residents with disabilities.