State Sen. Seth Lewis is co-sponsoring five bills that would cut property taxes, create a first-time homebuyer credit and lower the state motor fuel sales tax for Elmhurst-area residents.
None of the measures have advanced to a vote. All five were re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee on May 22 and remain there, according to Illinois General Assembly records.
Lewis, who represents the 24th Senate District covering Elmhurst, Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace, outlined the package in a Capitol Report newsletter published Sept. 30. He said the bills aim to help first-time buyers, current homeowners and seniors.
What the bills would do
Senate Bill 3868 would double the state's residential property tax credit from 5% to 10% of qualifying taxes paid on a principal residence. Sen. John F. Curran filed the bill on Feb. 6. Lewis joined as a co-sponsor on Sept. 21.
Senate Bill 3959, called the "Welcome Home Illinois" credit, would give eligible first-time homebuyers a $500 state income tax credit after purchasing a home in Illinois.
Senate Bill 4205 would cut the state sales tax on motor fuel and gasohol to 1.25%. The bill's text limits that reduction to a six-month window, July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Three months of that proposed window have already passed with the bill still in committee.
Senate Bill 3849 would tie the maximum General Homestead Exemption to the Consumer Price Index starting in tax year 2027, so the exemption rises with inflation.
Senate Bill 4029 would index the income limit for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to inflation. Sen. Sue Rezin filed the bill. Lewis signed on as co-sponsor Sept. 21.
