Sangamon Sun

State Representative Mike Coffey has expressed concern over the cost of property taxes, stating, "I support House Bill 1274 that would increase senior citizens homestead exemption from $5,000 to $8,000." He made this statement in a July 30 Facebook post.

"Property Tax Relief is needed now, not tomorrow, and especially for senior citizens in the community," said Mike Coffey, Jr, according to Facebook. "I support House Bill 1274 that would increase senior citizens homestead exemption from $5,000 to $8,000. As we continue our fight to lower taxes in Illinois, every small action is a step in the right direction because homeowners should not have to be stressed out over their property taxes!"

According to a May 2024 report from Shaw Local News, senior citizens are worried about social security cost of living adjustments affecting their eligibility for the Illinois Senior Property Tax Freeze. The report describes the program as an opportunity for Illinois residents aged 65 and over with income up to $65,000 to have the "equalized assessed value of their primary residence frozen upon qualifying." The news story indicates that this is not the only legislative effort aimed at assisting seniors with these costs. One bill would allow seniors to deduct Medicare premiums from their income; another would set the income cap at $75,000 and adjust the maximum reduction to $8,000 statewide. Another bill caught in the legislative process would adjust that income cap to $73,700; and another would change the limit annually, equal to any increase in the federal Employment Cost Index.

Screenshot of Rep. Mike Coffey's July 30 Facebook post | State Rep. Mike Coffey Facebook page

House Bill 1274 was re-referred to the rules committee on April 5, 2024. It was filed by Representative Amy Elik on January 19, 2023, and had its first reading on January 31, 2023. It stalled there until its re-referral on April 6. According to the Illinois General Legislative Assembly webpage focused on the bill, it would amend the property tax code for 2024 and beyond to increase the senior citizens homestead exemption to $8,000 statewide (currently it is $8,000 in counties with 3 million or more residents and contiguous counties and $5,000 in all other counties). It also states that the maximum income limit for the exemption is $75,000 and would go into effect immediately upon signing.

Coffey filled a vacancy in the legislature in January 2023 after Tim Butler's retirement. Coffey is a lifelong Springfield resident and business owner. He has been part of his family’s Springfield restaurant "Saputo’s" and opened his own restaurant "Papa Frank’s" in Springfield in 2015. Coffey holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois. He lives in Springfield with his wife and three children.