There is upside here: 1. If the value of your place tanks, you should reap the tax rewards in a couple of years. 2. We might still have one newspaper, even if it only comes out once a week.
Cook County assessor James Houlihan and Senate president Emil Jones wanted to raise the exemption to $40,000 permanently. Madigan successfully insisted that it only be bumped up to $40,000 for a year, and that’s what was applied to your last tax bill. It fell to $26,000 for this tax bill, and next year it’ll drop to $20,000, the same as it was four years ago...
...your 2007 property taxes — the ones you’re paying now — are based on an assessment done in 2006, when the housing market was still strong. The impact of the current bust won’t be felt on tax bills until the next assessment, in 2009.
Showing posts with label Da City Dat Works Begs Borrows and Steals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Da City Dat Works Begs Borrows and Steals. Show all posts
Thursday, October 9, 2008
When it rains, it pours
CTA fare hike planned
50% more in taxes, now dis? They just chip away until you have nuttin left. No wonder the Republicans still have support...
50% more in taxes, now dis? They just chip away until you have nuttin left. No wonder the Republicans still have support...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Damned Taxers & Spenders!
Huh? Homeowners blindsided by taxes
Fung's property tax bill was 50% higher than last years. 50%? And WTF am I getting 4 dat? Anyone? Better schools? Parks-Museum/Aquarium Bond? WTF is dat? Though Sarge would gladly pay anything that keeps Shedd going. I better find out where this line to protest is at.
I got the revaluation thing last year. I had NO clue what it meant. It didn't tell me what my new taxes would be. It was just a buncha numbers. Now Fung thinks he's as smart as any cookie out there, but he was just lost. Lost in those figgers. Now he's gotta pay 50% more. For the same ol' $#!+.
Listen to Fung complain. And it's not like he can't afford this increase. I just wonder how those who can't are coping. Because I can tell you I didn't budget for this. You can't budget for a 50% increase. And it sounds like others had even higher increases.
Fung's property tax bill was 50% higher than last years. 50%? And WTF am I getting 4 dat? Anyone? Better schools? Parks-Museum/Aquarium Bond? WTF is dat? Though Sarge would gladly pay anything that keeps Shedd going. I better find out where this line to protest is at.
I got the revaluation thing last year. I had NO clue what it meant. It didn't tell me what my new taxes would be. It was just a buncha numbers. Now Fung thinks he's as smart as any cookie out there, but he was just lost. Lost in those figgers. Now he's gotta pay 50% more. For the same ol' $#!+.
Listen to Fung complain. And it's not like he can't afford this increase. I just wonder how those who can't are coping. Because I can tell you I didn't budget for this. You can't budget for a 50% increase. And it sounds like others had even higher increases.
Friday, August 29, 2008
da fix is in - dat's Da Chicago Way
Alfonso Soriano broke a tie with a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh to help the Cubs beat the Phillies 3-2 on Friday.
The Phillies have reason to be upset after this one. The Cubs tied it on a bases-loaded walk from Scott Eyre that surprised even Kosuke Fukudome, who stared at a pitch at his knees and then held up four fingers questioning whether umpire Bill Welke had in fact called it a ball. The Phillies later should have went back ahead in the top of the seventh, but what would have been an RBI infield single for Ryan Howard was called the third out when Chris Guccione blew the close call at first base. Soriano put the Cubs on top for good in the bottom of the seventh, earning Jeff Samardzija (who would have given up the go-ahead run) his first major league victory.
The Phillies have reason to be upset after this one. The Cubs tied it on a bases-loaded walk from Scott Eyre that surprised even Kosuke Fukudome, who stared at a pitch at his knees and then held up four fingers questioning whether umpire Bill Welke had in fact called it a ball. The Phillies later should have went back ahead in the top of the seventh, but what would have been an RBI infield single for Ryan Howard was called the third out when Chris Guccione blew the close call at first base. Soriano put the Cubs on top for good in the bottom of the seventh, earning Jeff Samardzija (who would have given up the go-ahead run) his first major league victory.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Expect Delays (cont)
CTA airport express plan crippled
$100 million in cost overruns cited
The CTA's original budget on the project was $130 million in 2005.
The CTA has spent about $250 million to date "for a shell in the middle of the city," said CTA board member Susan Leonis, a longtime opponent of the "airport express" plan devised by former CTA president Frank Kruesi.
"This project has been a disaster," Leonis said.
$100 million in cost overruns cited
The CTA's original budget on the project was $130 million in 2005.
The CTA has spent about $250 million to date "for a shell in the middle of the city," said CTA board member Susan Leonis, a longtime opponent of the "airport express" plan devised by former CTA president Frank Kruesi.
"This project has been a disaster," Leonis said.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Are yous guys aware of dis insanity?
Wow, this is a really bad idea:
http://savechicagoculture.org/
Imagine a Chicago with no Metro or Double Door or Schuba’s. Imagine a Chicago with no Royal George or Bailiwick or Athenaeum. Imagine a Chicago where local music is only heard in the suburbs and theater is limited to Wicked and Jersey Boys.
Scary thoughts. But if the City of Chicago’s City Council doesn’t hear your voice by Wednesday, May 14, they can become reality.
On that date the council will vote to approve an ordinance that has the power to stifle creativity in Chicago’s musical, theatrical, and general cultural scenes. With no public discourse or commentary, this proposal has been approved by the City Council Committee and is on the fast track to be pushed into law. It is up to us to let our elected officials know that Chicago’s creative scene is too rich, too varied, and too vital to be regulated in such a blanket fashion.
The details:
The “Event Promoters” ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that’s just the start:
The definition of “event promoter” is so loosely defined it could apply to a band that books its own shows or a theater company that’s in town for a one-week run.
“Event Promoter” must be licensed and will pay $500 - $2000 depending on expected audience size.
To get the license, applicant must be over 21, get fingerprinted, submit to a background check, and jump over several other hurdles.
This ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.
Police must be notified at least 7 days in advance of event.
For the complete ordinance, check out Jim DeRogatis’ blog on the Chicago Sun-Times.
We are collecting signatures to present to the council voicing our opposition to this ordinance. YOUR VOICE IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE CHICAGO’S CULTURAL SCENE CONTINUES TO THRIVE. Please leave a comment as your expression of disapproval. These will be presented to the City Council and to all Chicago Aldermen prior to Wednesday’s vote.
http://savechicagoculture.org/
Imagine a Chicago with no Metro or Double Door or Schuba’s. Imagine a Chicago with no Royal George or Bailiwick or Athenaeum. Imagine a Chicago where local music is only heard in the suburbs and theater is limited to Wicked and Jersey Boys.
Scary thoughts. But if the City of Chicago’s City Council doesn’t hear your voice by Wednesday, May 14, they can become reality.
On that date the council will vote to approve an ordinance that has the power to stifle creativity in Chicago’s musical, theatrical, and general cultural scenes. With no public discourse or commentary, this proposal has been approved by the City Council Committee and is on the fast track to be pushed into law. It is up to us to let our elected officials know that Chicago’s creative scene is too rich, too varied, and too vital to be regulated in such a blanket fashion.
The details:
The “Event Promoters” ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that’s just the start:
The definition of “event promoter” is so loosely defined it could apply to a band that books its own shows or a theater company that’s in town for a one-week run.
“Event Promoter” must be licensed and will pay $500 - $2000 depending on expected audience size.
To get the license, applicant must be over 21, get fingerprinted, submit to a background check, and jump over several other hurdles.
This ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.
Police must be notified at least 7 days in advance of event.
For the complete ordinance, check out Jim DeRogatis’ blog on the Chicago Sun-Times.
We are collecting signatures to present to the council voicing our opposition to this ordinance. YOUR VOICE IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE CHICAGO’S CULTURAL SCENE CONTINUES TO THRIVE. Please leave a comment as your expression of disapproval. These will be presented to the City Council and to all Chicago Aldermen prior to Wednesday’s vote.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
dere is annudder doomsday direkkly behind dis one (cont'd)
Chicago schools to Springfield: We need $180 million
News item: Chicago Public Schools officials said Thursday they need an additional $180 million in state aid to balance the fiscal 2009 budget. But they stopped short of threatening to shut schools, lay off teachers or take other severe steps if the money doesn’t arrive.
(Springfield to Chicago schools: go phokk yourselves... ed.)
News item: Chicago Public Schools officials said Thursday they need an additional $180 million in state aid to balance the fiscal 2009 budget. But they stopped short of threatening to shut schools, lay off teachers or take other severe steps if the money doesn’t arrive.
(Springfield to Chicago schools: go phokk yourselves... ed.)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Scare tactics get personal
Letter from CTA President Ron Huberman
Dear CTA Customer:
Today, I unveiled the CTA's proposed 2008 budget that lays out a series of painful service cuts, fare increases and lay-offs that will happen on January 6, 2008. These actions are required to meet our legal obligation to submit a balanced budget and are in addition to those service cuts and fare increases that will take effect on November 4th.
All of us at the CTA understand that these service cuts and fare increases will cause you a tremendous hardship. We know that you will face fewer travel options, less frequent service and more crowded buses and trains. To make matters worse, the drastic measures described in the 2008 budget are in addition to the service cuts, fare increases and lay-offs that will take place on November 4th if the Illinois Legislature does not enact fundamental funding reforms.
It is important for our customers to know that all of us at the CTA do not want to see this budget become reality. We remain hopeful that the Illinois General Assembly will pass a long-term funding solution.
Please know that we sought to minimize the impact of our budget deficit wherever we could. For example, we reduced our costs by over $38 million this year alone - without impacting service. The CTA and its unions have also agreed to an unprecedented five-year contract, contingent on legislative action, which would enable the CTA to reduce costs and manage itself more like a business. The Illinois Legislature, however, has yet to pass the bill that would give the CTA authority to put these reforms in place. This inaction is costing the CTA more than $11 million each month.
So, while the CTA continues to look for every opportunity to cut costs, there is simply no way we can manage our way out of a $158 million deficit in 2008.
The CTA continues to fight for sufficient transit funding and we need your help. Please contact the Governor and your state legislators and tell them how important mass transit funding is to you. In addition to calling or writing your legislators, you can go to http://www.transitchicago.com/ where a link will allow you to easily send a message.
With your support, we are hopeful that we will finally get a long-term solution to the CTA's funding shortfalls and put future "doomsdays" to rest. If the State enacts pending legislation before November 4th, these service cuts and fare increases will not go into effect.
Sincerely yours,
Ron Huberman
President
Dear CTA Customer:
Today, I unveiled the CTA's proposed 2008 budget that lays out a series of painful service cuts, fare increases and lay-offs that will happen on January 6, 2008. These actions are required to meet our legal obligation to submit a balanced budget and are in addition to those service cuts and fare increases that will take effect on November 4th.
All of us at the CTA understand that these service cuts and fare increases will cause you a tremendous hardship. We know that you will face fewer travel options, less frequent service and more crowded buses and trains. To make matters worse, the drastic measures described in the 2008 budget are in addition to the service cuts, fare increases and lay-offs that will take place on November 4th if the Illinois Legislature does not enact fundamental funding reforms.
It is important for our customers to know that all of us at the CTA do not want to see this budget become reality. We remain hopeful that the Illinois General Assembly will pass a long-term funding solution.
Please know that we sought to minimize the impact of our budget deficit wherever we could. For example, we reduced our costs by over $38 million this year alone - without impacting service. The CTA and its unions have also agreed to an unprecedented five-year contract, contingent on legislative action, which would enable the CTA to reduce costs and manage itself more like a business. The Illinois Legislature, however, has yet to pass the bill that would give the CTA authority to put these reforms in place. This inaction is costing the CTA more than $11 million each month.
So, while the CTA continues to look for every opportunity to cut costs, there is simply no way we can manage our way out of a $158 million deficit in 2008.
The CTA continues to fight for sufficient transit funding and we need your help. Please contact the Governor and your state legislators and tell them how important mass transit funding is to you. In addition to calling or writing your legislators, you can go to http://www.transitchicago.com/ where a link will allow you to easily send a message.
With your support, we are hopeful that we will finally get a long-term solution to the CTA's funding shortfalls and put future "doomsdays" to rest. If the State enacts pending legislation before November 4th, these service cuts and fare increases will not go into effect.
Sincerely yours,
Ron Huberman
President
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
You voted for it, you got it, SUCKERS!
Daley wants record tax hike
BREAKING NEWS: The mayor called for a property tax increase and a new 10-cent tax on bottled water, along with an increase in several other fees and taxes.
Chicagoans would get hit with a $108 million property tax increase as well as hikes in many other fees next year under the proposed $5.9 billion city budget Mayor Richard Daley unveiled today to the City Council.Daley called for a new 10-cent tax on bottled water, along with an increase in several other current fees and taxes. They include doubling the city's 911 surcharge to $2.50 per call, increasing liquor and beer taxes, raising the lease-transaction tax on items such as cars, DVD rentals and office equipment. Parking fines also would go up under Daley's proposal. Daley said his proposed 2008 budget avoids substantial layoffs or service cuts. But having exhausted other options, Daley said, "We must ask taxpayers for more."
Does the city spend citizens' tax money wisely?
Yes (51 responses) 4.0%
No (1231 responses) 96.0%
1282 total responses
(Results indicate 4.0% of the city are Da Mare's friends)
BREAKING NEWS: The mayor called for a property tax increase and a new 10-cent tax on bottled water, along with an increase in several other fees and taxes.
Chicagoans would get hit with a $108 million property tax increase as well as hikes in many other fees next year under the proposed $5.9 billion city budget Mayor Richard Daley unveiled today to the City Council.Daley called for a new 10-cent tax on bottled water, along with an increase in several other current fees and taxes. They include doubling the city's 911 surcharge to $2.50 per call, increasing liquor and beer taxes, raising the lease-transaction tax on items such as cars, DVD rentals and office equipment. Parking fines also would go up under Daley's proposal. Daley said his proposed 2008 budget avoids substantial layoffs or service cuts. But having exhausted other options, Daley said, "We must ask taxpayers for more."
Does the city spend citizens' tax money wisely?
Yes (51 responses) 4.0%
No (1231 responses) 96.0%
1282 total responses
(Results indicate 4.0% of the city are Da Mare's friends)
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