Community Corner
Should Chicago Have a City Income Tax?
Chicago Tribune columnist believes there is a discussion to be had over whether Chicago should have a city income tax.
No one really enjoys taxes, but they're necessary to help pay for the government services we receive. That's why Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel has pitched a potential property tax increase to help the city make up the pension deficit it currently is facing.
But Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn believes he has a better proposal. Zorn thinks Chicago could be better off with a city income tax.
Why?
Says Zorn, "[Revenue-boosting alternatives] all have their downsides. They all risk unintended consequences. They all stick in my craw, and probably your craw, too.
"But if the alternative is a significant decrease in city services leading to a deteriorating quality of civic life, a city income tax is among the least objectionable options for balancing the books."
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Zorn has four reasons to support his idea, something he just wants a discussion on instead of outright rejection.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If Chicago were to have a city income tax, the middle class wouldn't be affected too much. That's because there isn't much of a middle class left in the city. We have a map that shows the disappearance of the middle class in Chicago over the past 40 years.
This article appears on all Patch Chicago sites. The views expressed in this post are those of Reboot Illinois and do not necessarily reflect those of Patch or its editors.
Learn more and Sound Off here
