CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Cook County Judge has struck down the "Bring Chicago Home" referendum on the March 19 ballot. Advocates for the measure that's aimed at helping the unhoused say this isn't the final word.
Without additional comment, Judge Kathleen Burke read the motions in the case of the referendum to raise the real estate transfer tax, and she ruled against the city and technically ruled referendum question one off the ballot.
The measure was designed to use the revenue from the higher tax to help houses and help the homeless, but real estate and business groups have been fighting it. The judge's ruling was a clear victory.
Outside the court, Emma Tai, a leader of the Bring Chicago Home campaign expressed disappointment and suggested that this is right wing backlash.
"When far right national interests cannot win with the people, they take it to the court," she said.
"They take away our healthcare. They take our housing. They take our right to vote."
Alderwoman Maria Hadden said in a statement that the real estate lobby has
"opposed creating a dedicated revenue stream to fund permanent supportive housing and wraparound services to end homeless in our city" from the start and that "Chicago voters should be furious."
The City of Chicago also issued a statement expressing disappointment in the court’s ruling, "but will be exploring every legal option available."
"We firmly believe the referendum is legally sound and the final arbiter should be the voters of the City of Chicago."
The advocates plan to continue their fight.
“It is our understanding that this decision will be appealed and continue on to the higher court and that Ballot Question 1 will remain on the ballot while that is underway," Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Board President, Maxica Williams said in a statement.
"While today’s decision is not what we hoped it would be, we will continue to work tirelessly to encourage every person to vote yes on Ballot Question 1 and towards our broader goals of bringing every Chicagoan out of the cold and into a home.”
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