Rep. Tipsword) cast a resounding “no” vote Wednesday on legislation that will raise property taxes for most taxpayers in McLean County by requiring all McLean County property owners to pay for the costs associated with the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.
Despite opposition from four of the five Representatives that represent McLean County in the House, the legislation passed with almost all supermajority Democrats voting in favor.
“This is a local issue that will likely have an impact on families’ property tax bills in McLean County for generations. It’s wrong for Democrats in the General Assembly to impose their will on these families without allowing them to first weigh-in by voting on a local referendum,” Rep. Tipsword said.
The legislation (Senate Bill 684) amends the Airport Authorities Act to create the Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority that will encompass all of McLean County. If signed into law, the legislation will dissolve the current Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority and the new authority would assume its powers, assets, and liabilities. The new airport authority powers would include a property tax levy expanded to all of McLean County and allow the newly created airport authority to issue bonds; rents, tolls, fees, and eminent domain.
Four of the five House lawmakers representing McLean County including State Representatives Dennis Tipsword, Dan Caulkins, Jason Bunting, and William Hauter voted against the likely property tax hike. Rep. Chung voted in favor.