Residents Protest A Budget That Eliminates Critical Services Chicago Working Families Depend On, While City Subsides To Wealthy Corporations Continue
From The Grassroots Collaborative:
WHAT: Community residents decry Mayor Emanuel’s proposal to keep hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ TIF money out of the budget discussion at a time when he’s cutting libraries and closing mental health clinics, police stations, and potentially a dozen community schools.
Mayor Emanuel’s budget declares a 20% TIF surplus of $60 million, but leaves $240 million in the slush fund. The 99% deserves more than just 20%. The mayor protects corporate subsidies at the expense of Chicago’s families.
WHY: On Nov 9th, the City Council will debate key measures of the budget and vote on amendments. Community organizations want aldermen to do what is right and make sure taxpayers’ money comes back to serve taxpayers. Organizations support aldermen asking to return 40% of TIF surplus to local taxing bodies and progress towards the Responsible Budget Ordinance goal introduced in October that calls for a 50% TIF surplus.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 – 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Outside City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
WHO: Grassroots Collaborative and ally organizations
VISUALS: An estimated crowd of 90 people carrying crime scene tape in front of City Hall on LaSalle Street; a costumed Sherlock Holmes conducting an investigation; and a 3-foot tall Willis Tower with dollar signs for an antenna.
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Grassroots Collaborative is a coalition of community and labor organizations working towards the interests of all our constituents. Our member organizations represent over 100,000 residents throughout Illinois. Together, we organize for change that makes life better for working families.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on November 8, 2011