CHICAGO, IL — Americans for Prosperity–Illinois (AFP-IL) today launched a statewide campaign urging voters to reject the $1 billion on the November ballot in proposed school and library borrowing. With interest, the hikes could put taxpayers on the line for more than $1.78 billion.
The campaign highlights five communities and ballot measures:
- Township High School District 214
- Oswego Community Unit School District 308
- St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
- Westmont School District 201
- Vernon Area Public Library District
On the campaign website, AFP-IL breaks down what’s actually on the ballot in these communities, including what household property tax bills could look like depending on whether the measure passes or fails. The website walks voters through the five ballot measures, ranging from $39.5 million to $317 million.
It is simply bad policy: AFP estimates that roughly 44 cents of every dollar repaid on four of the five measures — and 38 cents on the library measure — would go toward interest rather than the underlying projects.
AFP-IL Deputy State Director Brian Costin issued the following statement:
“AFP-IL wants to educate voters on what the billion dollars in tax increases on the ballot actually mean for their family. And it means paying nearly 50% more in interest.
“Illinois already has the highest property taxes and combined state and local tax burden in the country. Before we vote for billions more in taxes, voters deserve to know what they’re on the line for.”
Voters can find their ballot measure, review the full cost breakdown, and sign a pledge to vote no HERE.