Cook County is Becoming Unaffordable for Families

Cook County is Becoming Unaffordable for Families

For over 45 years my family and I have resided in Cook County. In the last year alone, Cook County has faced massive property taxes for local schools and municipal governments, our sales tax has risen to the highest in the nation, and we have been hit with new garbage and sewer tax proposals. Now, the Cook County board wants to tax our grocery carts with a proposed penny-per ounce beverage tax. Enough is enough.

Residents understand that Cook County has a $174 million deficit, but why should families and hardworking residents have to foot the bill? If the proposed beverage tax is passed a two liter bottle of soda would be an additional $.68 and a 12-pack of soda would be an additional $1.44. This is a huge increase and a large impact on grocery bills. As taxes continue to rise, Cook County residents need to cut corners in order to afford living here.

Residents do not need Cook County officials to determine which grocery items we should purchase; and officials should not penalize us for innocent purchases such as soda and sweetened tea. Residents who live near the Indiana border will have another reason to leave Chicago, Illinois and even leave Cook County to spend money. People will go to Indiana or the collar counties because of the lower taxes. Indiana already welcomes shoppers and businesses near the border by inviting us with marketing billboards. Please stop giving residents reasons to go to Indiana.

Our most vulnerable communities cannot absorb another financial burden. As the Cook County board makes its budget decision, they should ask themselves if further taxing Cook County residents with another beverage tax is truly the only option.

Bernadette (Rodriguez) Montez Former Executive Director Hegewisch Chamber of Commerce Chicago, Illinois.

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