Vol 5 - August 2025: Abolish Property Taxes

Taking the Next Step in the MAGNA Agenda: Abolishing Property Taxes for Good

Property taxes are the equivalent of perpetual rent to the government. That’s not ownership—it’s bondage.

Welcome back to Straight Talk with Casey—your monthly source of direct, common-sense reform from someone who believes America’s best days are not behind us, but ahead.

Last month, I introduced the 7 Pillars of the MAGNA Agenda—Make America the Greatest Nation Again. These pillars are not just promises. They are a roadmap to restore dignity, independence, and opportunity for the American people.

Moving forward, each month we will focus on one of the 7 Pillars of MAGNA, allowing a more in-depth view into my agenda and proposed policies. These deeper discussions will be available on our website in digital form with an expanded review of the entire MAGNA pillar available before the March 17, 2026 Primary Elections. 

7 Pillars of the MAGNA Agenda—Make America the Greatest Nation Again

• Abolishing Property Taxes

• Abolish Social Security Taxes

• Abolish IRS Taxes on Retirement Income 

• No Federal Taxes for Individuals Under 23

• Five-Year Tax Holiday for New Small Businesses

• Free Prescription Drugs for Seniors, Disabled Citizens, and Veterans 

• Restore Dignity Through Work and Ownership 

PILLAR 1: ABOLISHING PROPERTY TAXES

This month, I want to start with an issue that is personal, urgent and affecting millions of Illinois families: Abolishing Property Taxes. 

Just as President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) took a stand against Big Pharma and delivered real savings at the pharmacy counter, we must now take a stand at the kitchen table—where families are being taxed out of their homes. 

Even President Trump has stated he would like to see property taxes abolished in the United States, and the Big Beautiful Bill increases the amount of property taxes Americans are able to deduct from their federal income taxes from $10,000 to $40,000 – an important first step in that direction. Casey Chelbek applauds this move by President Trump and is proud to join in the president’s pledge to alleviate the property tax burden for everyday families through a plan that is constitutional and still ensures essential services like funding for schools, police, fire and local infrastructure without placing an undue financial burden on the most vulnerable members of our society.

“In the country I was born in, people don’t lose their homes because of property taxes. I share in Donald’s Trump vision to do better for Americans and abolish property taxes for families”. Casey Chlebek

The Problem: The Tax That Never Ends

You pay off your mortgage—and still, the bills never stop. Every year, homeowners are forced to shell out thousands just to stay in homes they already own. Miss a payment? You could lose it all. In Illinois, the average property tax bill exceeds $5,300—among the highest in the country.

Who gets hit the hardest?

• Seniors on fixed incomes

• Disabled Americans

• Veterans

• First-time homeowners

• Young professionals trying to stay in-state

• Family businesses fighting to keep their doors open

In some neighborhoods, the taxes alone outpace the value of the home. That’s not equity—it’s theft by policy.

“I served my country and worked 40 years in manufacturing. I thought I’d spend my retirement in peace. Now, I’m watching friends lose their homes because they can’t afford the tax bill. That’s not the America I fought for.” — James R., U.S. Army Veteran, Rockford

This isn’t just unfair. It’s un-American. Property taxes are the equivalent of perpetual rent to the government. That’s not ownership—it’s bondage.

The Solutions to Consider: The Property Tax Freedom Plans and Alternatives

Let’s be clear: This is not federal overreach.

This is federal leadership—offering constitutional tools, resources, and relief. Just as the federal government uses tax credits, housing grants, and disaster recovery funds to assist communities, we will do the same here to restore housing security and economic freedom for millions of Americans.

Step 1: A Federal Property Tax Relief Credit

We’ll create a federal credit of up to $3,500 per year for:

• Seniors (65+)

• U.S. military veterans

• Disabled Americans

• First-time homeowners (within 5 years of purchase)

This is immediate relief. You’ll see it in your federal tax return—or get a direct credit even if you owe nothing.

Step 2: The Homestead Reimbursement Fund

We’ll launch a voluntary federal block grant to help states that reduce or eliminate property taxes for qualified residents. The fund fully replaces local revenue for:

• Public schools

• Police and fire departments

• Roads and infrastructure

This is a partnership—not a mandate. States stay in control, but communities don’t lose a penny for essential services.

Guardrails will be in place:

• Funds must be tied to actual homeowner relief

• Strict auditing and transparency

• No diversion to general budgets

• Fair formulas to match local needs

This approach protects your children’s education, public safety, and town services—without taxing families out of their homes.

Step 3: A National Commission on Alternatives

We will launch a bipartisan, independent commission to study global models—like those in Germany, France, Poland and others —that fund public services without punishing homeowners. The global models will clearly show that not only is it possible to abolish property taxes, but still ensure citizens continue to receive the same level of local services and support.  

The commission will deliver:

• A menu of proven options for states

• Legislative templates for reform

• Guides for phased-out transition to protect services

Step 4: Smart SALT Deduction Reform

The BBB’s expansion of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction from $10,000 to $40,000 was a good start, but I will push to take it further by: 

• Restore full deductions for primary residences

• Eliminate deductions for luxury homes, investment properties, and real estate speculators

• Cap eligibility at $500,000 in household income

That means relief for everyday Americans, not wealthy speculators.

Step 5: The Homestead Starter Credit

Young families and first-time buyers will get a $2,000/year credit for 3–5 years, giving them breathing room while states transition away from property taxes.

It will:

• Lower entry barriers to ownership

• Encourage young families to stay and grow roots

• Strengthen communities through safer, more stable communities

Why This Plan Works

• Constitutional – It follows the U.S. Constitution and the 10^th Amendment. Respects state sovereignty, relies on tax code authority and federal grant models

• Fully Funded – No unfunded mandates or lost services

• Focused – Begins with those who need it most

• Phased – Built for bipartisan support and gradual expansion

• Fair – Protects homeowners without punishing local governments

The MAGNA Vision Is Bold—Because You Deserve Bold

President Trump had the courage to take on Big Pharma and wasteful spending that hurt families. I will take on Big Property Taxes—and the bloated bureaucracies to help protect everyday Americans who have worked hard to achieve the American Dream.

Because at the heart of the American Dream is the belief that you can own a home, raise a family, and build a life with dignity. That dream is under threat, but together, we can reclaim it.

“Freedom starts with financial independence. We should reward hard work—not penalize it.” — Casey Chlebek

Coming Next Month: Abolishing Taxes on Social Security 

Stay tuned for Pillar Two of the MAGNA Agenda. If you have been personally impacted by the endless financial burden of property taxes or if you are struggling to make ends meet because of the taxes taken from your social security, I want to hear your story! And as always, I welcome your thoughts, concerns, and stories at info@caseyforsenate.com.

Together, we can protect your home, your future, and your voice.

Yours in service,

Casey Chlebek

for U.S. Senate, Illinois