Property Tax Relief Measure Stuck in Neutral SPRINGFIELD, IL (wqub) - A measure before the state legislature could give veterans, senior citizens, and Cook County residents relief from their property taxes. Or it could fall victim to infighting between Illinois lawmakers.

During their regular session ... lawmakers agreed to give veterans, seniors and people with disabilities a homestead exemption. Also ... as a means of dealing with skyrocketing property values and tax bills ... residents of Cook County's growing areas would be receive a 33-thousand-dollar exemption.

Governor Rod Blagojevich says that's not enough. He wants to ratchet that amount up to 40-thousand dollars. He also wants the exemption made permanent.

Now the Senate and House are at odds over which version is best.
Earlier this week the Senate voted to put Blagojevich's changes in place.
While yesterday.. the Illinois House voted to keep the lower, temporary exemptions.
Chicago Democratic Representative John Fritchey says he fears that will leave people will no relief at all.

"My concern is that it is not enough for us to send a motion to the Senate to die, for the Senate to send a bill over to us that will not be entertained, and for us to come home empty-handed. Ladies and gentleman, this is not right. This is not how to govern. This is wrong."

Lawmakers say the decision must be made quickly ... because property tax bills must start being processed. Schools are also waiting, as they heavily rely on property taxes.

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