LYONS NAMED TO TAX RELIEF    TASK FORCE

December 3, 1999

Western Springs . . . State Representative Eileen Lyons (R-Western Springs) announced that she was named to the Tax Relief Task Force formed today by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels. Comprised of 10 Republican lawmakers, the Task Force will hold statewide public hearings, review pending legislation and develop new proposals for providing tax relief.

"As a group, we will be working on ways to provide tax relief for Illinois’ families," said Lyons. "I know how important it is to the residents of Illinois that we find a way to make tax cuts. This task force will be dedicate to doing just that."

Also named to the Task Force were: Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst); Andrea Moore (R-Libertyville); Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac); John Jones (R-Mt. Vernon); Bill Mitchell (R-Forsythe); David Winters (R-Rockford); Renée Kosel (R-New Lenox); Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

They are representative of the legislators who have led the charge for property tax relief for working families, senior citizens, and small business over the past several years. Because of their persistence, two state programs aimed at providing property tax relief for seniors have been expanded.

The Task Force will consider, but are not limited to, several initiatives already introduced, including:

• Providing a rebate for the amount of unemployment insurance paid by small business;
• Doubling the property tax credit on the individual income tax form from 5% to 10% for homes with an assessed value under $500,000. Also provide for a new 5% income tax credit for small business;
• Raising the "Circuit Breaker" income eligibility level from $16,000 to $25,000;
• Requiring a 3/5^th supermajority vote by members of the General Assembly before any new income or sales tax can become law;
• Providing a 10% income tax credit to companies that locate or expand manufacturing plants in counties with the highest unemployment;
• Allowing senior citizens to deduct amounts paid to cover Medicare Part B costs from their income taxes.

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