FREE
Page 1
Rock Valley Publishing
TAKE ONE
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Bensenville
VOL. 22 • NO. 12
also serving Wood Dale
468327
Independent
WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025
Legislation aims to help first-time homebuyers Bill would create tax deductible accounts to save for down payments
By Peter Hancock and Jade Aubrey CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
As the cost of housing continues to rise, Illinois realtors are pushing legislation to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to save for a down payment. Senate Bill 148 would enable Illinois residents to open a special kind of savings account that could only be used to pay eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence. Deposits into those accounts would be deductible from state in-
come taxes with some limitations. The deductions would be limited to $5,000 per year for individuals and $10,000 per year for joint accounts, up to maximum aggregate amounts of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 for joint accounts over a 10-year period. The accounts would be available to Illinois residents who have not owned or purchased, either individually or jointly, a single-family residence during the prior 10 years. That would include both first-time and “second-chance” buyers—
people who may have purchased a home previously and now want to get into the ownership market again. “When you look at the median sales price of a home in Illinois in 2024, it was almost $300,000,” Sen. Christine Castro, D-Elgin, said during a news conference Feb. 27. “That’s 8 percent higher than in 2023 and almost 40 percent higher than in 2019. So you see the rapid (rising) cost of homes.” Jim Clayton, senior director of state government affairs for the trade group Illinois Realtors, said the bill is one of several initiatives the industry has introduced this year to help alleviate the burden of rising home prices. The bill has been assigned to the
Senate Revenue Committee and is first address what’s going on with Illinois’s high property tax and high awaiting further action. property tax amounts.” Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, is Senate Republicans push sponsoring Senate Bill 2246, which property tax relief measures Senate Republicans are urging would put a cap increases in the aspassage of a handful of bills they say sessed valuation of residential propare aimed at providing property tax erty to the rate of inflation over the relief to Illinois homeowners, some- previous 12 months. He said it would thing they say Gov. JB Pritzker did help bridge the rapidly increasing gap between what senior homeownnot address in his budget proposal. “He talked about affordable hous- ers collect from Social Security and ing,” Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said the increasing amounts they’re being during a Statehouse news confer- charged for property taxes. “This is real, this is hurting peoence. “And yes, that’s very necessary. First-time homeowners are ple, and it’s all scalable,” he said. facing difficulties in buying homes, “Whether you live in $100,000 home because what you have to consid- or $200,000 home or $4,000 home, er most of all is, can you make the it’s becoming unaffordable.” The bill has not yet been assigned property tax payment? You can’t address affordable housing unless you to a committee.
Solve the mystery during Murder Mystery Night at Fischer Farm March 22 A crime has been committed at Fischer Farm, and the Bensenville Park District is seeking sleuths to uncover the truth! Join Fischer Farm staff for Murder Mystery Night—a thrilling and interactive whodunit experience at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. Participants will don their detective caps and follow clues to solve the mystery before time runs out. Each participant will take on a role
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
A bill pending in the Illinois General Assembly would allow firsttime home buyers to set up tax-deductible savings accounts to save up for their down payment.
Inside:
Opinion....................4 Police ����������������������8 Speak Out.................5 Sports ��������������� 14-16
in this immersive event, making it perfect for friends and families who love a good puzzle and lively fun. Who will unmask the culprit? “This is a unique opportunity to step into the role of detective—or suspect—in a thrilling murder mystery adventure,” said Christine Shiel, Farm manager. “We’re excited to bring this engaging and interactive experience to the community, and we encourage everyone to join in on the fun!” The fee for this event, which is
open to the public and is expected to last about an hour, is $20 per person, with a discounted rate of $15 for in-district residents. Advanced registration is required and can be completed at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville. Don’t let the killer get away! Gather friends and register today to solve the murder at Fischer Farm! For more information, visit BvilleParks.org or contact the Bensenville Park District at (630) 766-7015.
Park district unveils March Young at Heart trip lineup The Bensenville Park District is offering a variety of trips in March as part of its Young at Heart program. These trips are designed to provide enriching experiences for participants while fostering social connections and fun. From casino gaming to cultural performances and unique shopping excursions, the program ensures there’s something for every interest. Participants can test their luck on March 19 at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich. This popular trip includes a $10 food voucher and $15 slot play voucher, making it an excellent opportunity for a day of excitement. Guests are reminded to bring valid identification. Registration for this trip closes on March 12. On March 17, participants can enjoy a “Thrifting &
Lunch” adventure, which begins at the Goodwill store in Lake Zurich before a lunch stop at McAlister’s Deli. The day continues with visits to additional resale shops, including House of Hope Resale, Community Threads, Habitat for Humanity, and Wings Resale. The month concludes with the Senior Follies on March 30. This annual talent showcase in Schaumburg highlights the diverse skills of local senior performers, featuring acts such as tap dancing, harmonica playing, torch singing, and other entertaining surprises. Registration for this lively event is due by March 14. Fees and deadlines vary by trip. Registration is available at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, located at 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville. For additional details, contact the Bensenville Park District at (630) 766-7015 or visit BvilleParks.org.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC