Chicago has the highest sales tax in the country with its newest sales tax increase and surprisingly, folks aren’t happy about it. So the politicians did what they always did – they argued about it.
And here’s where it gets complicated.
County Board President Todd Stroger had instituted the ordinance that actually raised the tax, beginning July 1. Two ordinances to repeal that ordinance were introduced on Wednesday. Those ordinances were voted down by a vote of 10-7. So, we’re back to square one.
Political maneuvering ruled the day and, of course, lots and lots of bickering about the justification for both the tax and the repeal. But at the end of the day, the campaign against the increase called “Axe the Corruption Tax” fell flat.
If it doesn’t smell like corruption and a little sleaze, it wouldn’t be the best. city. ever.
I think they should just wait until 2016 and institute a “tourist tax” raising the tax to 30% during the olympic games (if we get them here, that is…Here’s hoping!)
Then we’d all be RICH I tell you RICH! *insert maniacal laughter*
Excuse for a little unwelcomed blasphemy, but didn’t Barack Obama, who McCain claims will raise our taxes, endorse Todd Stroger for Cook County President (as well as Mayor Daley)? Gov. Weld had the right answer to that, he abolished county government, although counties, cities, and towns where I live never had the right to tax income or sales, and our state-wide rate is lower too.