Legislative & Policy Issues

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Federal Historic Tax Credit Program. The FHTC is the backbone of historic preservation efforts in Illinois and throughout the nation. Its elimination would bring a virtual halt to historic rehabilitation projects. While Congress is not expected to pursue tax reform again until 2017, it is important to show Illinois’ congressional delegation successful FHTC projects in their districts.

Photo: In 2014, the Woodstock Theater (1927) underwent a $1.5 million renovation by Classic Cinemas using the Federal Historic Tax Credit (credit: Jim DeWane)

STATE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

State Historic Tax Credit Effort. The 99th Illinois General Assembly convened on January 14, 2015. Several state historic tax credit bills were introduced, both for a new statewide historic tax credit program and to extend the existing River Edge Historic Tax Credit program, which expires December 31, 2016, in five pilot cities. None of these bills passed.

Photo: Illinois State Capitol Building, Springfield (credit: Jim Peters)

ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

In March 2016, the Illinois Historic Preservation Legislative Caucus welcomed new co-chair Rep. Steve Andersson of Geneva, joining Sen. Pam Althoff, Sen. Andy Manar and Rep. Jerry Costello. Landmarks Illinois works with the caucus to advance preservation policy and legislation – most recently the focus has been the need to extend the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Historic Tax Credit program.