It appears there is some dissention in the ranks at City Hall after the City Council on Wednesday approved a measure that allows lawmakers to dip into the state tax refunds of those who owe money for parking tickets, fines and other fees.
Some officials hint that its regressive.
“The latest initiative to collect debt owed to the City from state tax refunds will not sit well with those who can least afford it,” Treasurer for the City of Chicago, Stephanie Neely said.
“I'm not justifying citizens not paying their debts and bills owed to the City, but this feels like piling on. Every measure available to collect debt owed to the City should be exhausted, but not measures that disproportionately affect the working poor.”
During the council hearing 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti registered similar concerns.
Emanuel administration officials say that approximately $80 million is owed to the city, with debts dating back to as far as 2005.
