‘Bring Chicago Home’ votes to be counted after Illinois Supreme Court denies appeal
CHICAGO — The Illinois Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal on the controversial ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum as the voting deadline nears its March 19 date.
The justices did not explain their decision to deny the appeal brought forth by the Building Owners and Managers Association.
Your Local Election Headquarters: The latest news and updates
The decision further established that votes in favor or against Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s anti-homelessness initiative will be counted next Tuesday.
“It’s about time we bring it back home. That means bringing the hope back to communities and people in Chicagoland and realizing the dream of having a place to call home,” said Illinois Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
“This is a very smart and clever way to raise money and a fair way to raise money for homelessness,” added Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
Last week, an Illinois Appellate Court ruled that the controversial “Bring Chicago Home” referendum would remain on the ballot for the upcoming March 19 primary. This overturned a Cook County judge’s ruling on Feb. 23 that would have barred votes.
The “Bring Chicago Home” referendum would raise the real estate transfer tax on sales over a million dollars and decrease the tax on sales below that figure to raise more than $100 million to combat homelessness in the city.
But Dr. Cornel Darden Jr., with the Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce, worries that the referendum could hurt small business owners, with commercial building owners bearing the brunt of the tax hike.
“We believe it will achieve the reverse, which is, increase homelessness,” he said. “Anytime you increase the price of doing business, rents go up. It exacerbates the problem.”
Other opponents believed the money could be funneled elsewhere.
“There’s going to be a panel of people, not just elected officials, people from the community who say where the money is going to go,” said Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward).
Supporters, however, believe that approving ‘Bring Chicago Home’ would fund affordable housing, with the wealthy paying their fair share.
“We can have plans to end homelessness,” says Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, “but if it’s not backed up by money and political will, we can’t end homelessness.”
Read more: Latest Chicago news headline
Chicago Crain’s Business reports that developers could have another opportunity to challenge the referendum in court if the council approves the plan.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
