South Suburban Voters Consider State Property Tax Rebates

Referendums in four townships ask if Illinois should provide annual rebates to homeowners.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Voters in Thornton, Rich, Orland, and Palos townships in the south and southwest Chicago suburbs are being asked in primary election referendums whether the state of Illinois should provide annual property tax rebates to residential property taxpayers. The non-binding referendums come as homeowners in the region have faced significant tax increases in recent years.

Why it matters

The referendums are an attempt by local officials to give residents a voice on the issue of property tax relief, which has become a major concern for many homeowners, especially seniors on fixed incomes, in the area. The results could put pressure on state lawmakers to consider providing rebates or other tax relief measures.

The details

The referendums ask voters if the state should deliver annual property tax rebates to more than 3 million residential property taxpayers. Orland and Palos townships are also asking voters to consider support for a federal tax credit scholarship program. The funds would be available to K-12 students in public, private, or homeschool settings, though the referendum does not mention that donors receive federal tax credits for contributing.

  • The first installment of 2025 property taxes in Cook County will be due on April 1.
  • The referendums will appear on the primary election ballots in March 2026.

The players

Calvin Jordan

Rich Township Supervisor, who said he expects overwhelming support for the property tax rebate measure in Rich Township.

Paul O'Grady

Orland Township Supervisor, who said he has heard from many constituents about tax bill increases and delays, especially affecting seniors on fixed incomes.

Pat Quinn

Former Illinois Governor, who supported a 2024 ballot measure to amend the state constitution to create a 3% tax on those making over $1 million to fund property tax relief.

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What they’re saying

“People have got some real concerns and people are hurting our way, I mean, literally hurting.”

— Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Supervisor (Chicago Tribune)

“I have heard from a number of constituents about the delays in the tax bills, the increases in the tax bills, the brutality of fighting the tax bills. Many seniors who are on fixed incomes, who I primarily represent, they need that certainty. They need to know what their bill's going to be.”

— Paul O'Grady, Orland Township Supervisor (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The referendums will appear on the primary election ballots in March 2026, and the results could put pressure on state lawmakers to consider providing property tax rebates or other relief measures.

The takeaway

The property tax rebate referendums in these south suburban townships reflect the growing burden that rising property taxes have placed on homeowners, especially seniors on fixed incomes. The results could spur state-level action on providing tax relief to struggling residents.