Patch on Politics
County Wants to Tax Vice, Bad Habit and Weaponry
Video gambling, cigarettes, guns and ammo would be taxed under Cook County's new budget plan. Golf and picnic permits at the Forest Preserve would cost more, too.
Targeting smokers, gun owners and gamblers, a slew of new and unusual taxes and fees designed to raise $43 million are proposed for Cook County's $2.95 billion 2013 budget. Board President Tony Preckwinkle released her spending plan Thursday, saying $50 million in spending cuts are planned, too, and 462 open county jobs would be eliminated. But public attention will focus on the taxes: The proposed budget avoids a property tax hike. Nine of 17 commissioners need to vote for Preckwinkle's budget for it to pass. The county projects $25 million would be raised via the cigarette tax. Today, the total federal, state and local tax levied on a pack of cigarettes is $4.67 in Chicago and $3.99 in the Cook County suburbs. The tax on guns and ammo…
BUTCH
10:10 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Remember HARRY TRUMAN he said" when the GOP stops lying about me I will stop telling the truth about them" It has been my daily chore to follow these words of wisdom! problem is they can't shut up! more ›