Cook Commissioners Blast Tax Increase Plan

Chicago Public Radio

September 27, 2007

Produced by Rob Wildeboer

Some Cook County Commissioners and business groups are blasting a proposed two percent tax increase. Board President Todd Stroger says it's an option that should be considered in light of the county's ongoing financial crisis. But Commissioner Mike Quigley says the board doesn't even know yet what the increased money would go to.

QUIGLEY: Why are we doing this before we even have a budget. It's like going to your parents and saying I want an allowance increase and I'll tell you later what I'm going to do with it. No one does that.

Quigley says the board should pass a budget first. Then voters can decide if they want commissioners to raise taxes or tighten up the budget by cutting some services. The 17 member board is scheduled to take up the issue at a special meeting Monday. Quigley says the board is pretty evenly split and that the increase may hinge on one vote.

Copyright 2007, WBEZ Alliance

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