Republicans, Pritzker point fingers over rising property taxes

Illinois GOP blames Democratic policies as governor says school districts share responsibility

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:24am

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Illinois Republicans are criticizing Democratic policies as the cause of rising property taxes in the state, after Gov. JB Pritzker said earlier this week that school districts bear part of the responsibility. A new report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas found that property taxes in the state's largest county have grown faster than inflation and wage growth over the past 20 years.

Why it matters

The debate over rising property taxes is a long-standing political issue in Illinois, with both parties blaming the other for the burden on homeowners. This latest back-and-forth highlights the ongoing partisan divide over the causes and potential solutions to the state's property tax crisis.

The details

The report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas found that property taxes across all taxing bodies in the county have increased 82% from $9.9 billion in 1999 to $18.1 billion in 2019. Republicans argue that Democratic-backed policies like increased education spending and pension obligations are to blame, while Pritzker says school districts also share responsibility for the tax hikes.

  • The report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was released on Monday, April 1, 2026.
  • Pritzker made comments earlier this week about school districts bearing responsibility for rising property taxes.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who said school districts share responsibility for rising property taxes.

Maria Pappas

The Cook County Treasurer who released a report finding that property taxes in the county have increased 82% over the past 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.