Senior citizens faced with big increases in their property tax bills would receive relief from the state through a bill approved by the House and returned to the Senate. The House has made changes to the Homestead Preservation Act previously approved by the Senate. The differences must be worked out before it can go to the Governor. House sponsor Charles Portwood of St. Charles says the proposal would be much smaller than the Circuit Breaker program, the existing state program that provides senior citizens with tax breaks. Portwood’s measure would be available for anyone 65 or older whose property assessment has increased by at least 5 percent in any assessment cycle. Those making up to $100,000 annually would qualify. The average tax credit is expected to be between $300 and $400.