House District 19 candidate Ammie Kessem recently denounced her opponent, Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), for a social media post claiming credit for a $19.5 million property tax refund announced this month.
"Robert Martwick is at it again, hiking our taxes then trying to buy your support with your own money,” Kessem said. “First, Martwick passes dozens of bills that hike your taxes, then he passes a tax exemption bill that lowers a portion of those taxes for a portion of the people. Our taxes are still higher but he claims he wants lower taxes. Good old Chicago Math.”
Drawing the support of both House and Senate members, Senate Bill 473 trimmed taxes by increasing the homestead exemption for all property owners and other exemptions for senior citizens, the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) stated.
Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago)
“This was my bill and I am PROUD of it,” Martwick posted on Facebook. “I don’t often brag, but I delivered LOWER TAXES for every homeowner in Cook County, and especially the hardworking people of my district.
“I was happy to have the help of many, but the fact is that I did the heavy lifting, ensuring that this bill was heard and that it had the votes to pass. Results, not empty promises.”
Martwick is part of the same system that levied high property taxes in the first place, Kessem said.
“Here is a simple question for Rob Martwick,” Kessem wrote on Facebook. “Why do we need tax exemptions? Is it because the tax regime he oversees and personally profits from is too expensive? Bingo. The truth is, Robert Martwick doubles as a tax collector on top of his gig as a property tax appeals lawyer, he's just hoping you won't notice. Don't buy his lies, believe your eyes.”
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