What Are Your Priorities?

From The Office Of Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

BUDGET SURVEY

Dear Neighbors,

Our budgets are moral documents and this year, we’re being asked to choose between protecting working families or protecting corporate profits. We have an opportunity to balance this budget without increasing property taxes or adding fines and fees, like grocery taxes or garbage fees, that disproportionately impact our most vulnerable residents. The proposed budget asks large corporations that profit from our city to pay their fair share through a series of modern progressive revenue ideas.

Some of my colleagues voted against the budget ordinances in the Finance Committee on Monday, but the only options they offer are more fees, more fines, and higher property taxes. That’s not progress—that’s the status quo. In this moment, we need more. At a time when rents are skyrocketing, SNAP has been cut, and ICE is coming after our families, we can’t keep asking working people to pay more just to survive. We need to fund Green Social Housing, protect and create union jobs, and build communities that are affordable, sustainable, and rooted in dignity. I will keep fighting to fund our libraries, gender-based violence programs, and the Chicago Legal Protection Fund.

As we continue to negotiate this budget in City Hall, please continue to send me your feedback via the 48th ward budget survey. Over 190 neighbors responded to share their feedback, and it’s not too late to share yours. Together, let’s invest in our people, our planet, and our future together. And together, let’s build a Chicago where everyone—everyone—has a home, a voice, and a fair shot at life.

Yours in Community,
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman