Blame Madigan, Daley for property tax hikes

The politicians, meanwhile, are pointing fingers, then ducking.

They get away with such games because the Cook County property tax system can baffle even the most determined student.

We could suggest that, from the perspective of many politicians, that's the beauty of the system -- it's so complicated it's hard to figure whom to blame.

But that would be cynical.

Instead, we will note a few facts in our handy guide to the culprits:

- House Speaker Mike Madigan: Madigan, the state's most powerful lawmaker, opposes extending a benefit called the 7 percent homeowner exemption, a formula designed to keep homeowners from getting killed by their property taxes, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods.

The benefit has been rolled back over the last few years. This year, it provided less financial benefit than the year before. And next year, there will be even less.

Opponents of the 7 percent exemption argue that it gives homeowners a break but shifts the burden unfairly to commercial and industrial properties.

They also argue that the benefit is geared mainly toward ritzy areas.

The facts suggest otherwise.

A report by the nonpartisan Civic Federation shows that the effective property tax rate for business properties has been going down since 1999, thanks to the long-term growth in residential values.

And if you have any doubt that the exemption was protecting everyone, not just the affluent, look at the neighborhoods getting hit hardest by property taxes. Englewood, for instance, got nailed this year by an average increase of nearly 25 percent.

- Mayor Daley: Last week, the mayor tagged Cook County Assessor James Houlihan for the increase in property taxes. Houlihan, frankly, doesn't bear much blame.

The mayor forgot to mention the $65 million property tax increase he passed that is showing up on the tax bills now.

He also forgot his love of Tax Increment Financing districts, which siphon property taxes meant for schools and parks into special funds he controls. The schools, parks and other government agencies still want their money though, so TIF districts effectively push property taxes higher for city property owners.

Instead of pointing fingers next year, we suggest the mayor and the Legislature work together to extend the 7 percent homeowner exemption.

02/11/09