Evanston committee hears broad support for local property-tax circuit breaker; Cook County assessor outlines state bills

Supporters of a proposed Evanston property-tax “circuit breaker” told the Finance & Budget Committee on multiple occasions that the program would help longtime residents remain in their homes despite rising property taxes and rents, and urged the city to pursue a local pilot while a statewide bill moves through Springfield.

The proposal drew public-comment support from residents and advocates including Malika Gardner, Tricia Connolly, Mary Rosinski, Isaiah White and Meg Welch, and a presentation from James Mendez, director of policy at the Cook County assessor’s office. Mendez described pending state legislation and a Cook County approach and answered technical questions about eligibility, benefits and program duration.

The circuit breaker concept is designed to offset tax burden for households with limited incomes. In public comment, Malika Gardner, a community organizer, said the program “is a lifeline for working families and seniors who are being priced out of our … Evanston” and argued the plan “does not burden other taxpayers.” Isaiah White, a Cook County Board candidate, told the committee the proposal “makes a strike toward…