Chicago Budget Vote Delayed, Raising Shutdown Fears
City Council Votes to Recess Meeting
The city’s budget vote, scheduled for Friday morning, has been delayed until Monday at 1 p.m.
The City Council voted 32-17 to recess the meeting after protests erupted in the chambers. The delay cut off the public comment session, angering many attendees. Now, Mayor Johnson and the council face a tight deadline, with just 15 days to pass a budget before the city risks an unprecedented government shutdown on Dec. 31.
Mayor Johnson’s Budget Plan Unacceptable
Before the meeting began, Mayor Johnson pulled the vote, acknowledging that his budget plan—which includes a $68.5 million property tax hike and $165.5 million in additional taxes and fees—didn’t have the support to pass, even with his potential tie-breaking vote.
Budget Shortfall and Solutions
The city has struggled with a $982.4 million budget shortfall for months. Early on, officials floated solutions ranging from layoffs and pay cuts to new fees for garbage collection and video gaming. Johnson, who campaigned on a promise not to raise property taxes, later reversed course to close the gap while vowing to avoid layoffs. Last month, the City Council unanimously rejected his initial proposal for a $300 million property tax increase.
Revised Budget Plan
There was hope earlier this week when Johnson’s revised plan, featuring a more minor tax increase, narrowly passed the Budget and Finance Committees. But Friday’s delay raises doubts about whether the council can reach an agreement before the year ends.
The Clock is Ticking
Without a budget, Chicago faces its first-ever government shutdown, forcing city leaders to scramble for a last-minute solution.
About the Author
Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor
Tacuma R. Roeback is the Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender. His journalism, non-fiction, and fiction have appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Phoenix New Times, HipHopDX.com, Okayplayer.com, The Shadow League, SAGE: The Encyclopedia of Identity, Downstate Story, Tidal Basin Review, and Reverie: Midwest African American Literature. He is an alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago State University, and Florida A&M University.
Conclusion
The delay in the budget vote has raised concerns about the potential for a government shutdown in Chicago. With only 15 days left to pass a budget, city leaders must work together to find a solution to the city’s financial crisis.
FAQs
* What is the current budget shortfall in Chicago?
+ The city has a $982.4 million budget shortfall.
* What is the proposed budget plan?
+ The plan includes a $68.5 million property tax hike and $165.5 million in additional taxes and fees.
* What is the deadline for passing the budget?
+ The city must pass a budget before December 31 to avoid a government shutdown.
