Chicago City Wire

An Illinois appellate court has reinstated the voting on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s "Bring Chicago Home" tax hike, allowing Chicago voters to decide the fate of the real estate transfer tax increase. The decision overturns the lower court's ruling and paves the way for a crucial vote on the issue.

According to Illinois Policy, the real estate tax proposed by Johnson could have significant negative impacts on the city's commercial real estate market, potentially affecting over 5,000 commercial properties in Chicago. The organization expressed concerns about the lack of a clear plan on how the tax revenue would be used to help homeless individuals in the city.

Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at Illinois Policy, expressed disappointment with the court's decision, stating, "Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike will be a detriment to the city’s commercial and residential market." Illinois Policy is supporting the "Vote No on Chicago Real Estate Tax" ballot committee in their efforts to oppose the tax hike.

In response to the court's ruling, Smith highlighted the concerns about the potential misuse of the tax revenue, stating, "This will become a slush fund for Johnson and CTU to do whatever they want with it." Illinois Policy is urging Chicagoans to reject the tax hike and the union's agenda by voting against it.

The organization filed an amicus brief alongside the Liberty Justice Center to warn Chicagoans about the negative economic consequences that could arise if the real estate transfer tax hike is implemented. They continue to advocate against Johnson's proposal, emphasizing the importance of rejecting the tax increase.

For more information about the court's decision and the implications of the real estate transfer tax hike, interested individuals can visit illin.is/newruling.