Will County Gazette

First-time State House candidate Alyssia Benford is concerned about the impact increasing property taxes have on Illinois residents.

"As a CPA, I have experienced clients selling their home and moving to other states that have lower property taxes," Benford told the Will County Gazette. "In my area, property taxes range from $5,000 to $13,000 or more. A homeowner is paying $400 to $1,000 a month in property taxes alone.”

Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the country, a new Realtor.com website survey states. That is why Benford, who is running against Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) for the 98th District seat, is calling for tax reform, explaining that the current property tax rates harm home values and prevent people from being able to purchase homes.

Benford also said some constituents are between jobs and are fearful of losing their homes.

The failure of the government to bring effective change constituents can depend on points to a bigger issue with the state’s current leadership, she said.

"My opponent has made several statements about property taxes, depending on the audience," Benford said. "She voted over 19 times and nothing has been accomplished? That is ineffective leadership and residents of the 98th District deserve better."

Although there might not be a perfect solution to the issue, Benford said a cap is a good place to start.

"A property tax cap is a hybrid of a freeze,” she said. “A cap limits the ability to increase taxes by a more than a certain percentage without a public hearing. There are advantages and disadvantages here as well, but (it) could be a better alternative.”

The 98th District includes DuPage, Joliet, Lockport, Plainfield, Troy and Wheatland.