Some members of the Chicago City Council continue to label the proposed budget as “dead on arrival”—primarily because it includes a controversial corporate head tax. Despite opposition from at least half of the council, as well as pushback from Governor JB Pritzker, civic and business groups, Mayor Brandon Johnson remains steadfast and refuses to back down.

“It is deeply disturbing right now that we have leaders in this state that are prepared to defend millionaires and billionaires and not the people in Austin and not the people in Roseland. What is wrong with us?” Johnson said in a passionate statement.

In a fiery response to reporters, Johnson pointed to Tuesday’s Democratic victories in New York and other municipalities as evidence that people want his model of governing—one that he says stands up for working people. However, many alders argue that the head tax is a “job killer,” saying that opposing it is actually standing up for workers.

Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project joined ABC7 to discuss the budget’s implications. “I think you’re going to see companies across the city leave the city, leave the state,” said 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea.

Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) added, “I’ve had this discussion with the mayor before. If you attack businesses in the way that he has over the last couple of years, you’re essentially setting yourself up for failure because you’re not bringing in the taxes you need to run city programs.”

Alders opposed to the head tax would like to see the mayor present more cuts and efficiencies in the budget before asking large companies—with over 100 full-time workers—to pay a $21-per-month, per-employee tax. They’re also calling on the mayor to implement more of the savings recommended in the Ernst & Young budget report commissioned by Johnson.

“It’s incredible to see somebody spend $3.2 million and then ignore the vast majority of those recommendations that would put us on the right path,” Waguespack said.

As the budget debate plays out, S&P Global Ratings has issued a warning about a possible credit downgrade for the city if financial concerns aren’t addressed.

“This budget is a very sound, balanced budget—65% of which is structural in nature,” Johnson said.

The mayor wants the City Council to vote on his budget before Thanksgiving. Observers predict a very close decision—if it comes to a tie, Johnson himself will cast the tiebreaking vote.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/chicago-mayor-johnson-stands-firm-230005787.html