SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois Senate Republicans said lawmakers must pass plans this spring to help people buy and stay in their homes.

Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) has filed legislation to provide a $500 nonrefundable tax credit to first-time homebuyers. The Welcome Home Illinois Tax Credit could be carried forward up to five years to help people pay their mortgage for a house, townhome, or condo. 

"It's not a cure-all, but it is definitely a meaningful step," Harriss said. "It's a signal that Illinois wants young people to put down roots and build a future here."

Harriss has also filed a bill to create a task force analyzing property tax foreclosures. She told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that the task force could ensure Illinois reforms the system responsibly and protects homeowners from losing the wealth they worked a lifetime to build.

Senate GOP Leader John Curran introduced two bills to tackle high property taxes as well. Senate Bill 3848 would create an income tax deduction on the year-over-year increase in a taxpayer's home insurance. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 3849 could add annual consumer price index cost increases to the state's general homestead exemption. Curran said this could provide immediate relief for homeowners to better reflect the increased costs they are paying.

"We need a holistic approach that includes real, long-term property tax reform if we want to make purchasing and owning a home more affordable in Illinois," Curran said. "However, these solutions would help bring costs down right away to support families while we work for greater change." 

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