From State Rep. Jeff Keicher:
Rep. Keicher Recognized as Champion for Taxpayers
SYCAMORE – State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), the Illinois House Republican Conference Chairman, has been named a 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion by Americans for Prosperity–Illinois (AFP-IL). Keicher, a long-time advocate for reforming the state’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) system that diverts property tax dollars, was recognized for standing up for taxpayers, transparency, and accountability.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition for my efforts to improve transparency and accountability for taxpayers, particularly as it relates to TIF districts,” said Keicher.
“In the midst of the current affordability crisis, families in Illinois are hit even harder by our highest-in-the-nation property taxes. Ensuring property tax dollars are not diverted without residents having a say is common sense and vital to limiting the tax burden.”
Rep. Keicher introduced House Bill 1142, legislation requiring voter referenda before new or expanded TIF districts can be created.
He also introduced House Bill 1222, which caps TIF district extensions to a maximum of 35 years, down from 47 years.
Keicher added, “Jimmy Carter was President 47 years ago.
“Can you imagine property taxpayers being on the hook for a cost determined during the Carter years?”
AFP notes that in Illinois, TIF districts are one of the fastest-growing diversions of property tax revenue, capturing over $2.3 billion per year.
Because TIFs divert property tax growth by ordinance and operate outside the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), they function as a loophole, redirecting billions without the caps or voter approval that apply elsewhere. Rep. Keicher’s legislation restores a simple principle: if government is going to divert your property taxes, you deserve a vote.
“As TIF districts expand faster than almost any other property tax mechanism, they now capture more than $2.3 billion a year — without ever asking voters,” said AFP-IL Deputy State Director Brian Costin.
“Rep. Keicher recognized that this kind of unchecked growth undermines transparency and local accountability, and his proposal would ensure that future TIF decisions finally include the taxpayers who pay the bill.”
AFP-IL’s Prairie State Policy Champion award celebrates lawmakers who demonstrate principled leadership on reining in government spending, easing Illinois’ state tax burden, protecting homeschoolers, and empowering educational choice in the Land of Lincoln.
