. . .Chicago could raise $500 million-a-year by imposing a one percent city income tax, following New York City's lead, the inspector general said.
A one percent commuter tax would have an annual take of $300 million. Resurrecting Emanuel's controversial campaign promise to broaden the sales tax to an array of services not now covered — branded the "Rahm tax" by rivals — could yield $450 million.
Imposing a $5, London-style congestion fee on vehicles entering the city's Central Business District during the morning and evening rush periods could raise $375 million, even after a 20 percent reduction in traffic to 400,000 vehicles-a-day.
Installing toll booths on Lake Shore Drive—and charging the average vehicle $2.50 — could raise $87.5 million, even after hefty capital costs.
The inspector general's revenue menu also includes: raising water and sewer rates to the national average ($380 million); imposing a "pay-as-you-throw" garbage collection fee ($125 million); broadening the amusement tax ($105 million); and imposing a transaction tax on the major exchanges ($37 million) and imposing a blue cart recycling fee ($18 million). . .
http://www.suntimes.com/7892293-417/inspector-puts-city-income-tax-lake-shore-drive-tolls-on-table.html (http://www.suntimes.com/7892293-417/inspector-puts-city-income-tax-lake-shore-drive-tolls-on-table.html)
Yet another of the endless examples of the draconian tax policies being undertaken by cities across this country in order to maintain "business as usual" within city/state government.
How long before they turn 465 into a toll road around Indy?
How long before "sunset taxation" like that used to fund the LuKe, are used to ram "special funding" initiatives down the throats of citizens across this country? (And BTW, that sunset tax they put into place for the "Hoosier Dome" still isn't gone!)
Anderson has already seen "trash fees" enacted after they went to privatized trash collection. How long before we see the recycling fee enacted?
I warned about this kind of crap awhile back, and now it is rampant! :mad: :mad: :mad:
And just as I warned about the failure to pass the healthcare reform act as submitted, leading to everything being charged toward a deductible that is doubled in amount, all of this is going to serve to exponentially decrease the amount of money in the pockets of middle class citizens, while we continue to pad the pockets of those whose incomes are 100 times + what any one of us make in a given year.
City/state governments want to continue to live the high life at our expense. I for one am NOT willing to pay them a red cent more!
DAMN, just think how much Marion County money could make if 465 circling around Indianapolis was a toll road, in the morning, evening, will all 24 hours.
Hey, that sound good for everyone working down there. Hee, hee, hee. :chick: