Commissioner Boykin, Dr. Willie Wilson introduce bill to help homeowners with property taxes

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and Dr. Willie Wilson announced plans to help cash-strapped homeowners Thursday, especially when it comes to paying their property taxes.

Boykin and Wilson will be introducing a new property tax hardship relief bill next month.

Earlier this year, Boykin and Wilson, who once ran for mayor, created a temporary loan fund. Wilson converted the fund to gifts for dozens of people who were in danger of losing their homes in a county tax sale.

Boykin and Wilson said this bill would prevent anyone from paying a past tax due bill with high interest rate fees to get their homes back.

"We can't help all of the citizens of Cook County, so we decided to introduce this bill that can make it a lot easier for all of our citizens," Wilson said. "We should not punish our citizens when they hit hard times."

"This bill will be a good thing for a lot of people who are losing their homes or who have hardships," said Linda Townsend, a loan recipient.

In March, Wilson donated $150,000 for the creation of a property tax relief fund with the Cook County treasurer's office. Boykin donated $5,000.

Wilson and Boykin are also urging the community to call the county board to support the measure.