Chicago, IL – The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed four new taxes today that gives the county another $17.8 million in new tax revenue. The new taxes are: Hotel Tax, Ticket Resellers/Brokers Tax, E-Cigarette & E-Vapor Tax, and a Firearm Ammunition Tax.
Commissioner Morrison viewed today’s votes as an example of the county board taking the expedient way out and closing the budget gap of $22.5 million on the backs of Cook County businesses and taxpayers.
“The disconnect between the county board and the business community is staggering. How many times can you keep sucking money out of the private sector to feed big government? These new taxes bring permanent revenue streams which inevitably mean more spending.” said Morrison.
Members of each business community hit by the new taxes were unanimous in their testimonies that the repercussions will be negatively felt through a loss of revenue and the loss of jobs to their respective industries. A fellow commissioner pointed out that it was hypocritical of this county board to ask for a 1% tax increase on hotels but refuse to cut an additional 1% from our own budget.
Commissioner Morrison who represents the suburban 17th District which runs over 40 miles along the Cook County border said it was going to hit businesses in his district especially hard as their competitors just across the county line have the advantage of lower tax rates to draw customers away from Cook County.