Illinois State Representative Larry McKeon, D-Chicago, celebrated his third swearing-in ceremony in Springfield by renewing his fight for significant property tax reform for homeowners and businesses in the 34th District.
"I am committed to working for fundamental tax reform this legislative session," McKeon said. "Specifically, we need to shift the education funding burden to other, more equitably distributed revenue sources and offer home and business owners much-needed relief." Shifting the tax burden for education from property taxes to the state's income tax would provide an immediate 24% reduction in property taxes for home and small business owners. McKeon has urged Speaker Michael Madigan to create a special committee to address school funding and property tax reform.
McKeon's other key legislative priorities this session include amending the Human Rights Act, fighting to ensure Illinois residents have access to quality, affordable healthcare and ensuring the recent surge in economic development and new housing construction in the district leaves long-time residents secure in their homes.
"While we welcome new residents , we want to protect our long-term families and senior citizens from being forced out of their neighborhood," McKeon said. "I will work with local elected officials, as well as civic and community leaders to ensure that any new development occurs in a balanced manner. Citizens from every income level, from each corner of our diverse district, deserve to be treated with respect and sensitivity."
In addition to introducing legislation providing greater protections to senior citizens and persons with disabilities, McKeon introduced HB 101 which adds sexual orientation to the Illinois Human Rights Act. This legislation change would provide protection on a statewide basis against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit bringing state law into conformity with laws in the City of Chicago and Cook County.
McKeon currently serves as Vice Chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee, as well as the committees on Aging, Health Care, Human Services Appropriations and Urban Revitalization. He has also served on the Higher Education, Criminal Justice and the Nursing Home Patient Abuse and Mental Health committees. In addition, McKeon serves as a Commissioner on the Governor's Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.
The 34th District-;one of the most diverse districts in the state-;is on the North Side of Chicago and includes portions of Ravenswood, North Center, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Lakeview, Rockwell Gardens, Andersonville and the Argyle district.
Call ( 773 ) 348-3434 or see McKeon's website at www.larrymckeon.com .