The city of Chicago is a terrifying example of how residents suffer when a city is broke. Mayor Lori Lightfoot is considering drastic measures such as a $94 million property tax increase, a tax increase on gas, and laying off over 300 city employees.
This is all part of a budget proposal for 2021 that will have to pass a council vote. The city’s cash problem is not due to the pandemic but it has been exacerbated by it. There is currently a deficit of $1.2 billion in the budget so extreme measures are necessary but the Mayor will be unpopular for whatever she proposes and face stiff opposition from labor unions.