SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) will allow the Cook County Assessor to collect back taxes from those who claimed a homestead exemption they were not entitled to under the law.

“Currently, there are no measures in place under the law which will allow the assessor to collect taxes from those who were given a homestead exemption in error,” Munoz said. “This provides that office a means to collect taxes owed to the county.”

Senate Bill 41 allows the Cook County Assessor to collect back taxes from people who claimed homestead exemptions they were not entitled to receive.  Taxpayers will be informed of this with their second installment of their property tax bill. 

This law also allows for an amnesty program through December 31, 2013, where taxpayers could pay amounts they owe without incurring interest or a penalty.

Other safeguards for taxpayers in this law will include no penalty for those who inherited the property from a family member who had received the exemption. In addition, if the taxpayer received the exemption as the result of a clerical error, they would not be liable for the penalties and interest provided they pay the property taxes for the year in question.

Also, if taxpayers receive a notice from the Assessor that they are receiving this exemption in error, they have 30 days to contest the issue with the Cook County Assessor’s Office.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) has passed legislation out of the General Assembly that creates a commission to study ways to fight the deadly disease Hepatitis C.

“Hepatitis C is a contagious disease that threatens the lifespan and quality of life of an estimated five million people nationwide,” Munoz said. “This task force will work to provide recommendations to the Department of Public Heath to determine how we can make people aware of and educate people about this dangerous disease.”

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).  The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure, liver cancer or life-threatening esophageal and gastric varices.

HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment and transfusions. An estimated 130–200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C.

The virus persists in the liver in about 85 percent of those infected. This persistent infection can be treated with medication, and overall, 50–80 percent of people treated are cured. However, the disease can be deadly if not detected. Currently, there is no vaccine against hepatitis C available.

State Senator Tony Munoz voted on legislation that would help to solve the pension crisis facing the state of Illinois.

“Unfortunately, the pension funds have never been adequately funded,” Munoz said. “Currently, Illinois has to make increased payments to ensure the funds can continue to support retirees.  This proposal will provide some stability of the pension systems for future generations.”

Senate Bill 2404, a product of negotiations between public employees unions and the Senate President, is not only a cost savings measure, but is also fair to current and future retirees.

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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) along with colleagues, police officers and their families attended the annual Police Memorial in Springfield.

The annual memorial event honors the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who make up our local, state and county police forces.

Please take a moment to view this video about the event.