Chicago Poised to Recoup Past-Due Debt Via Tax Returns

When not slaying my heart with his hooded eyes or cursing like there’s no tomorrow, Rahm Emanuel is also mayor of Chicago.

So, what’s Mayor Rahm up to these days?

Well, if the Chicago Tribune is to be believed, he’s “intercept millions of dollars in state income tax refunds this spring from people across Illinois who owe City Hall money.”

As we mentioned earlier, states are just like people: cash strapped and worried about debt. Illinois is no different, which is why Chicago is about to implement a “Not so fast!” program for city debtors who owe are getting a tax refund but also owe the city some money. Or, rather, quite a bit of money.

The program Chicago is instituting is attractive — if it works — because it recoups revenue without raising taxes. As the Tribune describes it: “In Chicago, the income-tax bite would hit individuals and businesses that received final notices for debt owed on parking tickets, red-light citations or administrative hearing fines that date back to 2005. The city figures to collect between $8 million and $20 million.”

Not everyone is as excited about Rahm’s revenue-generating plan: “I smelled a rat on this one, and I was not afraid to be the only ‘no’ vote,” said Rep. Chris Nybo, R-Elmhurst. “It’s obvious now, based on this bill, the ulterior motive here has been revenue. It’s always been about the money, and it’s always been a money grab…by the city from the suburbs.”

I…’m not sure what Nybo’s gripe is. He understands how cities run, right? On money? And that people need to somehow pay for the services they use in the city? So of COURSE Emanuel’s plan is a money grab. But good for Nybo for making a show of…something.