Approval of the resolution came after a heated political debate about why legislators had imposed the requirement only on Cook County.

“What is it about Cook County that we are unable to run our own affairs, that Springfield has to tell us how to ensure that our senior citizens have tax protection?” asked Commissioner Forrest Claypool, D-Chicago, who is running for county assessor as an independent.

Both Claypool and Board of (Tax) Review Joseph Berrios, the Democratic nominee for assessor, agree the measure should be overturned before it goes into effect next year.

“I think we all agree here . . .  that the ultimate goal here is that seniors, and only seniors, get this exemption no matter how we go about doing this,” responded Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, who discussed the measure with the board. He added that he was “open to further discussions.”