Why Should You Vote yes?

More about the 1¢ sales tax

The County School Facility Sales Tax represents the first shift away from relying on property taxes for local school district funding in Illinois.

The law went into effect in 2007 (cased on a similar law in Iowa) allowing voters to approve a sales tax to fund school facility needs. The sales tax is for one cent on every dollar spent on qualifying retail purchases. School Boards representing a majority of all resident student enrollment have passed resolutions to place this proposal on November 5 ballot.

WHAT THIS REVENUE CAN BE USED FOR:

New or Improved School Facilities
Paying off building bonds
Architectural Planning/Engineering
Durable Equipment
School Resource Officers
Mental Health Professionals

THIS TAX WILL NOT EFFECT:

Unprepared Food (groceries)
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
Cars, Trucks, ATVs, Boats, RVs, and Mobile Homes
Farm Equipment, parts and Farm Inputs
Services are also not taxed
If it is not currently taxed, it will not be taxed

Property Tax Relief

All across Illinois there has been a call for property tax relief. This proposal, in part, is the answer to that call. Traditionally, all school building improvements have been funded through property taxes, which impacts housing costs for everyone, including renters. Voting YES is our opportunity to shift that burden of funding public education facility improvements to be shared by travelers and visitors who shop in Effingham County.

More Reasons Why this is a
Better Way for Effingham County

Better Schools Without Raising Property Taxes

This tax provides a fair and more sustainable way to fund the schools our children need. This new way of funding helps keep schools in good working condition without raising property taxes. It’s a smarter way to pay for the schools our kids need and deserve while helping combat rising housing costs for everyone.

It really makes sense for Effingham County

Over half of the revenue generated from this tax will be paid by visitors to our county — not residents. Located at the crossroads of two major interstates, Effingham is a regional hub for travel, tourism and shopping. Whether it’s vehicles filling up with fuel or a traveler grabbing a meal, they’ll help pay for quality schools in Effingham County, offsetting the need for raising property taxes to fund school facilities.

Voters in more than half of Illinois counties are already taking advantage

Illinois residents want good schools AND property tax relief. The answer? The County School Facilities Sales Tax. More than half of Illinois counties have passed this tax and their schools, students and residents have benefited. Now every school district and student in Effingham County will be able to benefit from this funding too. This is truly a better way to fund our schools.

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