CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Backers of the long-awaited Bring Chicago Home ordinance have reintroduced their measure in the City Council — and this time, they predict success.
The Bring Chicago Home movement aims to fund housing and services for homeless people across Chicago, and coalition leader April Harris said there are a lot of people who need help.
"There are over 68,000 people homeless in the city of Chicago today. Out of that 68,000, 20,000-plus is youth, and 16,000-plus are kids in [Chicago Public Schools]. That is a really high number."
When in place, the ordinance would increase the real estate transfer tax for building sales over $1 million in order to raise the necessary money.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) said this is a different situation from when former mayor Lori Lightfoot first supported, and then resisted passage.
"After years of struggle, we have a mayor who keeps his campaign promises," he said. "We have a movement that has shown that when people come together, we can transform our city for the better.
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