Feb 25, 2008 6:10 pm US/Central
Public Weighs In On Possible Sales Tax Increase
County Budget Must Be Balanced By Feb. 29 To Avoid Shutdown Of Parts Of Government
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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A 2 percent sales tax increase has been proposed to help balance Cook County's budget, but many are opposed to the measure. It would make Cook County's sales tax among the highest in the nation.
CBS
Emotions run high as Cook County considers whether to raise the sales tax here.
CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports members of the public offered dramatic testimony on the two things no one wants: No one wants to cut health care in Cook County, and no one wants to raise taxes.
"We oppose these tax increases because this government has failed to take seriously the need to manage the $3 billion taxpayers already provided this government," said Larry Msall of the Civic Federation.
"It's time out for playing games," said Pastor James Thomas of First Corinthian Baptist Church. "We expect you to stand up for the people of Cook County. Pass this budget."
One hospital worker threatened to put a curse on the commissioners who would not support the tax increase to help health care.
"The name of the curse is redemption of health care," said David Herrera of AFSCME.
Tensions ran high among the Cook County commissioners too, when it became clear they did not have the votes to pass the 2 percent sales tax increase. They are still looking at a $283 million budget shortfall.
If the board doesn't balance the budget by Friday, February 29, parts of the government could shut down.
"For the jail and for the hospital, how would we appropriate those money when we don't have a budget? You must have a budget," said Commissioner John Daley.
"We're trying to save the government that serves 5 ½ million people," said County Board President Todd Stroger. "We're going to sit down and have something rational come out. I don't think anyone wants to see the government shut down."
A compromise offer of a 1.25 percent sales tax increase was offered and commissioners voted to defer it until Wednesday. Friday is the final deadline.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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