Cook County board considering $15M property tax relief proposal

Political momentum is building for a so-called "circuit breaker" that would reimburse lower-income property owners if they see sharp increases in their bills.

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer introduced a resolution this month, calling on the county to create a $15 million "homeowner relief fund" for taxpayers experiencing sticker shock. The Cook County Board of Review, and Assessor Fritz Kaegi have endorsed the idea, saying he's in touch with state lawmakers about potentially getting something passed next spring. However it is still unclear where the money for the program would come from.