Oak Park voters warned of tax 'spike' if referendums pass

By on March 28, 2017   /   Illinois, Illinois Press, Latest, Press  

West Cook News covers TUA opposing two Oak Park property tax increase referendas on April 4th.

If voters approve two Oak Park School District 97 referendums on April 4, they’d better be ready to pay an additional $700 a year in property taxes on average, a taxpayer advocacy group warned recently.
“Illinois has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country,” Jim Tobin, president of Taxpayers United of America, said. “You have to wonder how many people could have stayed in their homes if the property taxes weren’t so high – the highest property taxes in the country.”
The two referendums are “asking voters to raise their property taxes by $13.3 million and issue new bonds totaling $57.5 million,” Tobin said.
The advocacy group issued a statement warning voters against passing similar referendums in Lynwood, Berwyn School District 100, Evanston/Skokie Consolidated School District 65, Coal City and Hinsdale Township High School District 86, as well as Oak Park.
The group contends that 80 percent of local taxes go to paying salaries and benefits of government employees.
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Coal City warned that home rule is 'home ruin'

By on March 28, 2017   /   Illinois, Illinois Press, Latest, Press  

Will County Gazette covers TUA opposing Coal City’s home rule referendum on April 4th.

Everything from property taxes to groceries and parking could cost more if Coal City voters pass a home rule referendum on April 4, a non-profit advocacy group is warning in a flier.
Chicago-based Taxpayers United of America (TUA) warned that home rule would allow the city to impose new taxes and raise the pay of local officials without voter input.
“I like to call it home ruin,” TUA President Jim Tobin said. “Home rule always means higher taxes because it removes the cap limiting the amount that bureaucrats can increase property taxes. It gives bureaucrats a blank check, and how many government bureaucrats would you trust with a blank check bearing your signature?”
The TUA flier also said that 80 percent of local taxes were used for government employees’ salaries and benefits. It listed the top 10 annual salaries in Coal City, with Village Administrator Matthew Fritz’s $96,465 at the top and police officer Matthew Dillon’s $65,550 salary at No. 10.
The TUA flier was addressed to seven communities voting on home rule or property tax increases. The group is urging residents in Lynwood to also vote against home rule and voters in Berwyn, Evanston, Hinsdale and Oak Park to vote down property tax hikes.
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Tax Accountability Endorses Magnificent Seven Republican McHenry Township Candidates

By on March 20, 2017   /   Illinois, Items of Interest, Latest  

Tax Accountability, the political action arm of Taxpayers United of America, is proud to endorse the Magnificent Seven Republican McHenry Township candidates for the April 4 election. Springfield has made Illinois a financial mess, but Illinoisans must also stay vigilant in local politics to reduce tax burdens and government waste.
Tax Accountability endorses:
Trustees – Bob Anderson, Mike Rakestraw, Bill Cunningham, & Stan Wojewski
Supervisor – Steve Verr
Clerk – Dan Aylward
Highway Commissioner – Steve Koerber
“These seven candidates have been tireless advocates for taxpayers and tax relief as longtime residents and activists,” said president of Tax Accountability, Jim Tobin. “When elected, the Magnificent Seven Republican McHenry Township candidates will continue to champion the principles of property tax relief and better government. Tax Accountability is proud to endorse these tax fighters for the April 4 election.”
Jim Tobin
President
Tax Accountability
Taxpayers United of America
205 W. Randolph St. Suite 1305
Chicago, IL 60606

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