State of Illinois
91st General Assembly
Legislation

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91_HB3169gms

 
                         OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
             207 STATE CAPITOL, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706
                              June 16, 2000
      GEORGE H. RYAN
      GOVERNOR
      To the Honorable Members of the
          Illinois House of Representatives
          91st General Assembly
          I have signed House Bill 3169, which amends the  Property
      Tax  Code  to  allow  for  reduced  tax  assessments for real
      property owned and used by fraternal organizations  chartered
      by  the State of Illinois prior to 1900.  This freeze is also
      extended to any subordinate organization or entity  that  (i)
      prohibits  gambling  and  the use of alcohol on the property,
      (II) is an exempt entity  under  Section  501(c)(10)  of  the
      Internal  Revenue  Code,  and  (iii)  provides,  directly  or
      indirectly, financial support for charitable works.
          House  Bill  3169 provides that for taxable year 2001 and
      thereafter, the assessment of qualified property shall be  15
      percent  of  the final assessed value of the property for the
      assessment year 2000.  House Bill 3169 also provides that  if
      the   property  qualifies  for  a  reduced  assessment  after
      assessment year 2001, the final assessed value  shall  be  15
      percent  of  the  assessed  value  of  they  property for the
      assessment  year  in  which  the  property  first  meets  the
      qualifications stated in House Bill 3169.
          I fully support the intent behind House Bill 3169.   This
      legislation  seeks to provide property tax relief to the many
      Masonic lodges located  in  Illinois  that  provide  valuable
      charitable  services  and  contributions  to our communities.
      However, I am also  aware  that  there  are  other  fraternal
      organizations that also donate a great deal of their time and
      resources  to  charitable  causes  throughout  the  State  of
      Illinois.   Many of these organizations are also experiencing
      significant financial pressures due to  the  rising  cost  of
      property  taxes.   It  is  for  this  reason, that I urge the
      Illinois General Assembly  to  seriously  consider  extending
      such property tax relief to other fraternal organization that
      provide similar charitable and community services.
          With this clarification, I have signed House Bill 3169.
                                             Sincerely,
                                             s/GEORGE H. RYAN
                                             Governor

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