Hattie Knazze, a 77-year-old South Shore resident, faces a staggering 115% property tax hike, risking the home she’s lived in for 25 years. She is here with former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
Hattie Knazze, a lifelong South Side Chicago resident, was taken aback when she opened her latest property tax bill.
With a staggering increase of 115%, jumping from $2,262 to over $6,300—Hattie felt overwhelmed about how she would manage to keep her home.
At 77, she’s been living in her home for 25 years, and the thought of losing it is fearsome, primarily because she also serves as the guardian for her disabled nephew.
Hattie’s situation is not unique; neighborhoods like South Shore are grappling with similar challenges as property taxes soar.
She expresses concern about the assessment process, noting that many property transactions in her area are cash deals, which can distort actual property values.
“How can they justify such increases? Who’s checking these numbers?” she asks, highlighting the frustration many feel about the lack of transparency in the assessment process.
Illinois has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation, second only to New Jersey.
Many people call for change, and Hattie believes a property tax relief referendum on the ballot could be a crucial step forward.
This referendum proposes a 3% surcharge on millionaires in the state, aiming to generate around $4.5 billion to support property tax relief.
“The people of Illinois need this. We need to give everyday folks a fighting chance to keep their homes,” she declared.
Hattie’s concerns resonate with the experiences of countless others facing similar hikes. She recalls hearing about others in her community receiving refunds on their property taxes last year, which adds to her confusion. “If I was overpaying, why wasn’t I notified? I would’ve saved that money instead of spending it elsewhere,” she said.
The impact of rising property taxes is severe, particularly in South Shore, where investment companies own a significant percentage of homes. These companies often prioritize profit over community stability, further complicating Hattie’s situation.
“If I can’t pay my taxes, I’ll lose my home. Where will I go? This is not just about me; it affects my nephew too,” she says, stressing the issue’s urgency.
Hattie has voiced the need for systemic change. She says that the referendum provides relief and ensures that funds for property tax relief are mandated by law, making it a more reliable solution. “This is about fairness. We’re not asking for handouts, just a fair chance to keep our homes,” she insists.
Hattie is passionate about spreading the word as the referendum has approached on the Election Day ballot.
She believes it’s essential for voters to understand the stakes.
“Our homes are often all we must pass on to our children. It’s an important legacy,” she noted.
She hopes residents can reclaim control over their financial futures by voting for this referendum and combat the aggressive property tax hikes threatening their stability.
With her years of experience and determination, Hattie Knazze represents the voice of many South Side residents rallying for change.
Her call to action is clear: it’s time for the people of Illinois to unite for property tax relief and safeguard their homes for generations to come.
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