Representative Ron Sandack Adds Additional Taxpayer Protection Bills to 2015 Legislative Agenda

State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is advancing his taxpayer protection agenda for 2015 by signing on as the Chief Co-Sponsor of several recently-filed House bills.

“My 2015 agenda is well-rounded, but there is a definite emphasis on bills that protect Illinois taxpayers,” said Sandack. “Several of my own bills this year focus on freezing tax rates in declining economies, eliminating pensions for lawmakers, allowing for municipal bankruptcies and on the consolidation of units of government,” said Sandack. “I will also be serving as the Chief Co-Sponsor of many of my House colleagues’ bills that also seek taxpayer protections.”

Several of the bills for which Sandack will serve as the Chief Co-Sponsor relate to reducing the scope and size of government. The bills include:

· HB174: Provides that electors may submit a petition for a referendum to dissolve a non-home rule unit of local government.

· HB228: Prohibits the General Assembly from creating any new units of local government for four years.

· HB229: Expands statewide a current DuPage County law that assists with intra-governmental cooperation and the reduction of redundant units of local government.

“Here in Illinois, we are overtaxed,” said Sandack. “We can’t afford, and frankly don’t need, many of the units of government we have. Through these bills we have real opportunity to pass meaningful consolidation legislation that can make a big difference for the taxpayers of Illinois.”

Sandack will also serve as the Chief Co-Sponsor for the following additional taxpayer protection bills:

· HB156: With respect to paperwork for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, beginning in 2015 a taxpayer’s household income can be reduced by any amounts paid as Medicare premiums.

· HR55: Directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the State moneys provided to the College of DuPage in Fiscal years 2011-2014.

· HJR20: Urges the College of DuPage Trustees to reconsider the $762,000 severance agreement reached with their retiring college president, and calls for renaming the College of DuPage Homeland Securing Education Center in honor of Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, who was killed in 2008 during combat in Afghanistan.

“Our seniors on fixed incomes are literally being taxed out of their homes, and it is my hope that HB156 will be able to provide them with some much-needed relief,” Sandack said. “With regard to the College of DuPage resolutions, the public is rightfully outraged with the recent action by the trustees to spend taxpayer money in such an irresponsible manner. I’m proud to join my DuPage County colleagues in showing our utter disappointment and disapproval of their decisions.”