Written by Frerichs Staff Thursday, 18 February 2010 15:31
"The alternative energy sector is the future of American industry," Frerichs said. "With so many alternative forms of energy at our disposal, Illinois has the opportunity to be a nation-wide leader in this industry. Providing access to capital will allow individuals to make energy efficient improvements, without suffering the steep front-loaded costs of these investments." This legislation will amend the Property Tax Code by allowing a county or municipality to establish a Green Energy Special Service Area (GESSA). These are special service areas for the purpose of providing energy efficient improvements, renewable energy improvements, or a combination of both. The owner of property within the GESSA may then obtain financing for these improvements. "If a homeowner wants to replace the windows of a house to make them more energy efficient, or install solar panels on the roof, he or she can simply enter into an agreement with the county or municipality instead of taking out a loan from the bank," Frerichs said. "This bill is about individuals reducing their carbon footprint. Incentives like this are what drive people and open up new possibilities." GESSAs are modeled after existing Special Service Areas, which are often created to provide streets, sewer systems, and other infrastructure for new subdivisions. For a property to be included in a GESSA, the municipality and the property owner must enter into an agreement which gives the owner’s consent and includes the amount of the special tax that would be levied on the property. Any bonds issued would not be an obligation of the State of Illinois. "This legislation modifies the current list of Special Services to specifically include energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements provided by the GESSA," Frerichs said. "I am confident in the success of this legislation and look forward to a more energy efficient Illinois." Senate Bill 2505 now moves to the Senate floor for further action. 
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Senate Revenue Committee passed a measure this week that will greatly improve the ability for individuals to reduce their environmental impact. Senate Bill 2505, sponsored by State Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign), gives individual property owners access to money generated by bonds to finance energy efficient improvements to their property.
Senator Frerichs Menu
52nd District
Years served: 2007 - Present
Committee assignments: Higher Education (Vice-Chairperson); Agriculture and Conservation (Chairperson); Licensed Activities; Commerce; Education; Committee of the Whole; Subcommittee on Animal Welfare (Sub-Chairperson); Subcommittee on Coal Mining (Sub-Chairperson).
Biography: Full-time legislator; born July 28, 1973, in Gifford; B.A., Yale University; former Champaign County Auditor and Champaign County Board Member; Certified Public Finance Officer; married (wife, Laura), one daughter.