01.07.2009The City just raised the parking tax rate to 33%. On top of the $4 in taxes you will pay beginning Feb.1, you could be forced to pay another
$4 or more if you enter or exit a downtown garage during rush hour. Monthly parkers now paying $80 in taxes and would face an additional
$160 or more.
Whether or not you are a resident of the City of Chicago, you may soon be subject to
yet another punitive tax when you drive downtown. A proposal to impose
Congestion Taxes in Chicago is being considered that would do the following:
- Give an unelected city bureaucrat (the Director of Revenue) the power to raise taxes on parking garages and meters with absolutely no upper limit on the amount;
- Prohibit any oversight by elected representatives in the City Council;
- Tax motorists entering or leaving downtown parking garages between 6:30 - 10:00am or 3:30 - 7:00pm;
- Allow the tax money collected to be spent on anything;there is no requirement it be used to improve transportation;and
- Exempt those garages frequented by tourists (i.e., Navy Pier), but would provide no exemption for doctor's appointments, jury duty or conducting city business;
We believe Congestion Pricing is unnecessary and punitive to those who do not have adequate public transportation options and must park downtown due to their jobs. Congestion Pricing would not benefit CTA or Metra which are already at capacity for ridership. It would be devastating to the downtown economy and would cause more job loss. This tax will negatively impact businesses, stores, theaters, hotels, employees, colleges, hospitals and cultural institutions.
If you think this is a good time for higher taxes in Chicago, do nothing.
If you think this is a terrible idea,
call or email your alderman, or call 311, and let your voice be heard. If you do not live in Chicago, talk to your employer and tell them to speak to the City on behalf of their employees.
Thank you.
