Chicago City Wire

Chris Cleveland says that for all the talk of the revolutionary new school funding formula, it still relies on the same old way of getting things done: raising taxes.

Chicagoans already saw their high property taxes increase by $272 million this year and now can expect another hike of $120 million under Senate Bill 1947, the new schools bill, according to the Chicago Tribune. They might face another increase of $147.9 million in 2018, all to help pay for the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund.

On top of that, the sales tax rate in the city is 10.25 percent — the highest in the county.

Chris Cleveland of 43rd Ward Republicans. | Courtesy of Chris Cleveland.

Cleveland, chairman of the Chicago Republican Party, said the increase in property taxes is just one of many tax hikes introduced by Democrats since 2014, including a soda tax; telephone, water and sewer tax; garbage tax; and even Uber and plastic bag taxes.

“Voters are getting angrier and angrier about the tax increases,” Cleveland told the Chicago City Wire. “Many are leaving Illinois altogether. Those who remain are shouldering a heavier burden.”

Cleveland argued that Chicago voters must elect legislators who will stand up against Democrats and their seemingly endless taste for higher taxes. For a state with the highest combined sales and local tax rate — 8.64 percent, according to the Tax Foundation — adding more taxes is a frightening thought yet a constant reality, he said. 

“Here’s the problem,” Cleveland said. “If a Democratic state legislator who voted for the tax increases doesn't have a Republican opponent, he or she gets a free ride. There are no consequences. They don't have to answer questions, or campaign, or raise money. They're free to send money to other legislators who do have opponents.”

Cleveland said one of the best ways to combat the liberal leadership in Illinois is to bring fresh blood to political races.