Chicago mayoral candidate and progressive Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) is puting a spotlight on the controversial, mayor-backed $55 million tax increment financing project for a new Marriott hotel near McCormick Place.
The Chicago City Council voted 46-4 to approve Mayor Rahm Emanuel's 2015 budget. Progress Illinois provides highlights from the council debate on the $7.3 billion spending plan.
The following is from the Jane Addams Senior Caucus.
Over three hundred senior citizens, their allies and aldermen gathered at Daley Plaza Tuesday to dramatically protest the housing and economic policies supported by Mayor Emanuel, which are having disastrous impact on struggling families and seniors.
The message chanted at the Rally was “What do we want? $15 Now! What do we want? CHA Housing Justice!”
Shatara Uhunmwangho, leader of Chicago Housing Initiative who is homeless said, “I made the decision to participate in the political theater and rally because I am a mother, I am a worker and I am on the waiting list for the Chicago Housing Authority. Affordable housing is an issue for my family. My daughter and I need a stable and affordable place to live. This year, the city council has the opportunity to vote on two important issues that would transform the lives of thousands and thousands of families – the Keeping the Promise Ordinance and $15 Minimum Wage for Chicago Ordinance.”
The Chicago City Council's Progressive Reform Caucus has joined the call for an end to the interest-rate swap agreements the city and Chicago Public Schools have with banks and private investment firms, including Bank of America and Loop Capital.
Progress Illinois takes a look at the push for universal, full-day preschool and early child care in Chicago as well as education issues that have popped up in the race for Illinois governor.
Chicago Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) says a property tax hike appears to be on the horizon by the looks of a survey sent to aldermanic candidates by a new super PAC formed to support Mayor Rahm Emanuel's re-election.
The following is from the Jane Addams Senior Caucus.
