FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2019
United Working Families Statement on 2020 Budget
2020 Budget Fails to Deliver the Change Chicagoans Voted For
CHICAGO- Following is the statement of Emma Tai, Executive Director of United Working Families (UWF), on today's budget vote:
“Chicagoans voted for a Mayor who promised to re-open the mental health clinics, fund affordable housing, and finally make the rich pay their fair share.
“Tragically, the 2020 budget does not deliver on those promises. Concrete proposals for progressive revenue--including a real estate transfer tax, a tax on corporations, and an automatic TIF surplus--have been left on the table. No resources were put towards re-opening the city clinics. And the mayor put just $5 million towards alleviating homelessness, instead of the $100 million she pledged on the campaign trail.
“We salute the alderpeople who fought throughout this process for a more just result, up to and including voting ‘no’ today. Elected by working-class movements, they made the brave decision today to govern by the same values on which they ran, instead of abandoning their campaign pledges when it became convenient to do so.
"We thank them for their courage and vision, and we are committed to working with them--and with all people--who will continue to fight for the city we deserve.”
###
