Having a Chicagoan as President certainly comes with bragging rights and other perks, but it also comes with a cost. A very literal one, actually.
The Chicago Police Department has spent at least $2.2 million to protect and safeguard President Obama's home since his November election, according to documents released by the city.
However, the federal government will only reimburse approximately $1.5 million to the CPD. As reported by the Tribune, the remaining balance is not currently scheduled to be paid back.
"We've been assured that the federal government will fully reimburse us for all costs associated with protecting President Obama in Chicago," said Mayoral spokesperson Jacquelyn Heard.
The extra expense hits the Police Department hard, especially considering that—due to budget concerns—the city has had to slow hiring in the department and command staff officers are taking unpaid days off.
Police Department spokesperson Roderick Drew said that officers were paid overtime for their service to the President. However, both Drew and Heard declined to go into detail about the number of officers or the costs of security "for obvious reasons."
Matt Bartosik is the editor of Off the Rocks' next issue and a "between blogs" blogger.
