Taxation by citation.
At least the mayor is not hiding the real purpose of scameras, money not safety.
“There are more than 100 speed cameras around Chicago, issuing tickets to cars caught driving 6 mph or more over the speed limit. Chicago mayors have repeatedly turned to the cameras as a way to raise funds in recent years, with Johnson predecessor Lori Lightfoot lowering the automatic ticket threshold from 10 mph over the limit to help balance her 2021 budget.”
Read the full article at Yahoo
SUMMARY: Chicago Mayor’s New Budget Proposal Sparks Debate Over Speed Cameras and Revenue Generation
Quick Overview:
Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed installing new speed cameras in Chicago to generate $11 million for police consent decree positions, as part of a larger effort to close a $346.2 million budget gap. This proposal comes amid ongoing negotiations and resistance from City Council members, with a critical end-of-year deadline approaching.
Key Points
- Proposed installation of new speed cameras to generate $11.43 million in revenue
- Reduction of initially proposed $300 million property tax hike to $68.5 million
- Elimination of previously promised guaranteed basic income program
- Changes to ride-share surcharges and various tax increases
- December 31 deadline to pass the 2025 budget
Detailed Breakdown
Revenue Generation Measures
- New speed cameras ($11.43 million)
- Modified ride-share surcharge ($8.1 million)
- Increased parking garage/valet tax to 23.35% ($11.3 million)
- Streaming services tax increase to 10.25% ($12.9 million)
- Personal property lease tax increase to 11% ($128 million)
Program Cuts and Changes
- Elimination of $31 million guaranteed basic income program
- Cancellation of $29 million small-business program
- Reduction of $14 million in other ARPA-funded programs
- $3.1 million in efficiency cuts to Fleet and Facility Management
- $13.1 million reduction in debt service
Notable Quotes & Data
- “We absolutely do need to restore those consent decree positions. This is not how I would want to see the city do it.” - Ald. Daniel La Spata
- “This latest round of proposals was not crafted from a true spirit of collaboration with all members of the City Council.” - Ald. Raymond Lopez
Context & Implications
The budget negotiations reflect broader tensions between various stakeholders:
- Progressive aldermen oppose using speed cameras for revenue generation
- Concerns about racial disparities in ticketing and impact on low-income residents
- Push-back from ride-share companies regarding increased surcharges
- Growing pressure from 28 aldermen urging further spending reductions
- Mayor’s commitment to avoiding layoffs and maintaining city services
The proposal represents a critical juncture for Chicago’s financial management, with potential consequences for city services and financial standing if the budget isn’t passed by year-end. The mayor’s approach emphasizes revenue generation over spending cuts, creating tension with council members advocating for reduced government spending. The city faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential services and social programs.