News

Rep. Fritchey to Host Town Hall Meetings

2009-11-09T21:50:09Z

State Representative John Fritchey will be hosting two Town Hall meetings later this month in order to update constituents on legislative issues in Springfield and the impact that they will have closer to home, as well as listening to concerns and fielding questions from individuals in the community.

“I’ve always believed that good government is built upon open lines of communication between constituents and their elected officials,” stated Rep. Fritchey. “These forums have consistently been a great opportunity to exchange ideas, and I am looking forward to meeting with neighbors to discuss what is happening in Springfield and closer to home.”

The times and locations of the meetings are as follows:

Monday, November 23, 7:00p.m.
Bucktown – Wicker Park Library
1701 N. Milwaukee

Monday, November 30, 7:00p.m.
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, please call Dave Kornecki at (773) 871-4000

Rep. Fritchey's Helping Hands Campaign Begins

2009-11-04T16:51:49Z

It’s that time of year!

Illinois - and Lincoln Park - Representative John Fritchey’s 8th annual Helping Hands Campaign has launched. In collaboration with great community organizations and supporters in the 11th District they hope to again support the area.

As you may know, every year Rep. Fritchey works in collaboration with community groups, libraries, local businesses, and chambers of commerce to collect new or lightly used goods for those who are in need through our Helping Hands Campaign (see campaign flyer). In addition to maintaining several drop locations, he will once again be collecting goods in his district office.

To kick-off this campaign, please join Rep. Fritchey and his staff on Wednesday, November 18th at John Barleycorn’s on Belden and Lincoln Ave from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for beer and wine. The entrance fee for this event is $30 and the majority of the proceeds from this event will go towards the Helping Hands Campaign.

Most importantly, you can also help the campaign by placing a Helping Hands collection box at a holiday party, winter meeting, or placing it in your office to collect NEW hats, gloves, scarves and other clothing, as well as hygiene products and household items for those who are in need this holiday season. We’ll provide the boxes, and schedule a date and time to pick up the donated items. In the least, if you would be so kind to put up a flyer to announce Helping Hands, it would be greatly appreciated.

Here is how it works:

You:
-Advertise the opportunities to your membership (via e-mail, a meeting notice, event invitation, etc.)
-make the collection box available at your office/holiday event/meeting

The Helping Hands Campaign:
-Provide flyers and signs
-Drop off a decorated holiday collection box for you
-Pick up the box of items at a designated date and time
-Bring the goods to local service organizations, who will then distribute items directly to those who need it most in our community

Please let Rep. Fritchey's office know if you would like to participate, and they will take it from there. You can contact Dave Kornecki - Rep. Fritchey's Chief of Staff - at the district office 773-871-4000, or simply respond to this e-mail, so that we may prepare your collection box and begin helping those who are in need.

CTA 2010 Budget Update

2009-10-28T18:55:54Z

News and Notes:

In what is already being dupped this years "doomsday", the Chicago Transit Authority released their proposed budget for 2010 on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Presently, the CTA is operating at $300 million budget gap. Mayor Richard M. Daley has already called the proposed budget for 2010 "very ugly" and the changes ahead are certain to affect everyone.

The CTA has noted three key areas that have contributed to their shortfall:

A decline in funding from tax revenue
Union contracts
Pension obligations

To combat this problem, organization president Rich Rodriquez introduced a series of fare increases and service cuts to help balance the budget. Below is a list of proposed changes to help balance the budget.

Increasing the cost of single-ride rail and many express bus tickets to $3.00
Increasing fares on standard bus routes to $2.50
Increasing the cost of a monthly pass to $110
Bus service is to be reduced by 18%
Rail service is to be reduced by 9%
287 outdated buses will be retired
The Archer Garage will be closed
Staff will be subjected to mandatory furlough days
Capital Funds will be transferred to the operating budget

Guide to Proposed 2010 Fares:

Updated Service Cuts and Details:

2010 Proposed Service Details
2010 Proposed Reductions
Complete Budget Details

These changes are scheduled to go into effect on February 7, 2010. Continue to check the LPCC's website for more information.

Mayor Daley Releases Preliminary 2010 Budget

2009-10-26T15:32:11Z

On Wednesday, October 22, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley released the city's preliminary budget for 2010. Citing a difficult economy and several years of increased taxes and fees levied on Chicago's working and middle classes, Mayor Daley's 2010 budget does not include any additional fines, fees or taxes for residents.

The City of Chicago has found itself tapping the so-called "Rainy Day Fund" created through lease deals of key public assets including the Skyway and more than 36,000 parking meters to fill a budget hole of more than $500 million. Mayor Daley also ordered more furlough days for 2010, totally nearly a month of time off - 24 days - for non-essential personnel.

Read more from the City's budget press release:

Growing Chicago's Economy
Daley also said the 2010 budget invests in programs to help turn around Chicago's economy by creating new jobs and opportunity, new businesses and by providing job training.

He said the city will use up to $25 million ($8.4 million this year) in parking meter revenue to fund a job training program, called TechCorps, for Chicago workers who have been laid off during the bad economy.

Further, Daley said that in the next few weeks, he will announce a major new collaboration between government and Chicago's business community, focused on using resources more effectively to help recruit and retain businesses and trade shows in Chicago. And, he will soon propose new steps to help the City's small businesses stay afloat, so they too can retain and create jobs.

Improving Neighborhood Quality of Life
Through the city's capital program it will reconstruct 11 miles of sewers and lining and rehabilitate an additional 40 miles of them. It will resurface more than 550 blocks of local streets and more than 110 alleys and replace more than 150 blocks of sidewalks.

Daley said the city will start construction for a new fire station, a new police station and five new branch libraries.

In closing Daley reminded his audience that while other cities and states are cutting key services and raising taxes, Chicago is not.

State Senate President John Cullerton Joins LPCC for Legislative Event

2009-10-20T16:14:38Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Senate President John Cullerton Joins Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for Legislative Event

Legislative Event Provides Members Access to Elected Officials

CHICAGO (October 20, 2009) – As an exclusive benefit to the members of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC), the largest neighborhood chamber in Chicago, State Senate President John Cullerton joined representatives from the United States Chamber of Commerce and community anchors DePaul University and Children’s Memorial Hospital for a comprehensive Legislative Breakfast. With an ever-changing political landscape and often uncertain economic future, one-on-one interaction with elected officials and policy makers is vital to the success of many businesses.

The LPCC is committed to providing business owners access to the resources necessary to succeed and grow. An event offering one-on-one access with one of Illinois’ key policy makers was something the LPCC was committed to and worked hard to secure. Tuesday’s Legislative Breakfast, part of the LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, was open exclusively to members of the LPCC and offered free of charge.

Senate President Cullerton addressed more than 50 members of the LPCC on key issues affecting our state, our residents and our businesses. From state pension programs, bipartisanship in government, spending transparency, the Capital Bill, education, health care and efforts to level the playing field between local shops and online businesses in regards to sales taxes, Senator Cullerton shared his vision for the state and its businesses. Senator Cullerton also discussed key elements to ending budget crunches across all levels of state government and in the CTA and RTA.

DePaul University hosted the event. A Lincoln Park anchor for more than a century, DePaul is deepening its roots in the community with a new 10-year Strategic Planning and Community Agreement recently signed by the LPCC and the Sheffield Neighborhood, Wrightwood Neighbors and Seminary Townhouse associations. “DePaul's community efforts are designed not only to create a state-of-the art campus for our students, but contribute to making Lincoln Park a great neighborhood for everyone who lives and works here,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul’s president.

“During these busy and often difficult times, we are honored that Senate President Cullerton would share his unique perspective on the current business landscape throughout Illinois and key changes that may increase growth in the future,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “Now more than ever our local businesses need to know that their elected officials hear their voice and are on their side.”

The LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, launched in January 2008, was created to take a proactive approach to legislative issues affecting the Lincoln Park business community. Each year, the Government Affairs Committee works with members and conducts research to create an annual Legislative Agenda, a series of four key issues and positions the LPCC holds as most important for the coming year. In addition, the Government Affairs Committee works to share their position on new issues – from taxes and fees to parking restrictions and more – that arrive each year and have the potential to harm or assist businesses and/or the neighborhood.

Children’s Memorial Hospital, event sponsor, also is working on key changes with a move downtown to the campus of its academic partner, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, planned for 2012. “The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is a leader in our community, and a model organization for supporting the needs of businesses. Senate President Cullerton has been a champion for improving the health and well-being of children for decades. It is an honor to work with both the Chamber and Senator Cullerton, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the Lincoln Park community and beyond for many years to come,” said Patrick Magoon, President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hospital.

The LPCC also announced Tuesday that they have joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Federation Partnership Program. By joining, the LPCC is helping the U.S. Chamber’s effort to build the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy network while providing added resources to its members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

“By joining with the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership, the LPCC has provided its members with the benefits of U.S. Chamber membership, including: access to members-only sections of www.uschamber.com, discounts on products and services, e-newsletters, the U.S. Chamber’s monthly publication, and timely calls to action, alerting small businesses to pressing legislation or policy initiatives,” said United States Chamber of Commerce Great Lakes Representative Ben Taylor. “This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C.”

The U.S. Chamber will alert and mobilize LPCC members on national issues ranging from taxes to technology to transportation. This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C. LPCC members will receive information on key legislation, tips and resources to grow their business and access to discounts at several national corporations.

More information on the U.S. Chamber is available online at www.uschamber.com.

# # #

LPCC Supports Chicagoland Chamber's Call to Action on Sales Taxes, Vetoes

2009-10-14T21:14:05Z

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce supports the efforts of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois House of Representatives, to limit the tax burden being placed on residents and businesses throughout Cook County.

Update: On October 14, the House of Representatives voted in favor of HB4625 that will limit Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's veto power.

Please see further information provided by the Chicagoland Chamber below. Contact your local representatives and senators and let them know that businesses and residents are ready for a sales tax break.

Help Reduce Cook County Sales Tax - Vote “Yes” on HB 4624 and HB 4625

Last year the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to increase the county portion of the sales tax from 0.75% to 1.75%, which increased the rate in Chicago to 10.25% - the highest among any big city in the country. It has caused businesses and consumers alike to think twice before making purchases in Cook County, costing local governments millions in sales tax revenue and worsening the local economy. It has been especially devastating for businesses located near the Cook County border.

A study by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University and AECOM confirmed that Cook County businesses have been hurt by the increased sales tax. Sales tax rates among communities in the Chicagoland region have reached historic highs, creating stronger incentives for consumers to shift their buying behavior. The study concludes that suburban Cook County is experiencing particularly large declines in retail sales, exceeding the decline in each of the five collar counties by an appreciable margin. The study confirms what our members have been telling us – that shoppers are traveling outside Cook County to make purchases in order to avoid the higher sales tax.

Despite overwhelming support by the Cook County Board for ordinances to repeal a portion of the tax, President Stroger has vetoed those measures repeatedly, and the Board has been unable to garner the unusually high four-fifths vote necessary to override his vetoes. Since President Stroger and his supporters on the Cook County Board refuse to respond to the majority of Commissioners, residents and businesses who think the sales tax is too high, it’s time for the General Assembly to act.

Vote “Yes” on HB 4624 to limit the maximum sales tax rate permitted by Home Rule Counties to 0.75% unless a higher rate is authorized by referendum.

Vote “Yes” on HB 4625 to allow the Cook County Board of Commissioners to override a veto by the President by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (instead of four-fifths) of its members.

New Ordinance Introduced to Protect City Assets

2009-10-14T18:33:56Z

Chicago Aldermen, led by Lincoln Park Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd), rallied together early this October to introduce a new ordinance aimed at protecting key city assets and avoiding dangerous lease deals like the widely unpopular parking meter lease.

The Public Interest Ordinance on Leasing City Assets will strengthen the tools Aldermen have in place to make sound fiscal and policy decisions. Proposed changes include measures to help ensure the public receives fair long-term value for the assets and greater transparency is required at every step of the process.

Continue to check the LPCC's website for further news about this new ordinance.

LPCC Joins U.S. Chamber Federation Partnership Program

2009-08-31T07:33:06Z

For Immediate Release

CHICAGO (August 31, 2009) – The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is happy to announce that it has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to provide its members with valuable new programs and services. Through the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership program, small business members in good standing with the LPCC will now receive the benefits of U.S. Chamber membership. This new member benefit is provided at no additional cost to members of the LPCC.

“We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help support the interests of small businesses across Lincoln Park and throughout the United States of America,” said LPCC President and CEO Kim Schilf. “During any difficult economic stretch it is important for business to work together to ensure their collective goals and needs are met.”

By joining the Federation Partnership, the LPCC is helping the U.S. Chamber’s effort to build the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy network. The LPCC will continue to focus on local issues and programs. The U.S. Chamber will alert and mobilize LPCC members on national issues ranging from taxes to technology to transportation. This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C.

The LPCC works closely with both Lincoln Park Aldermen Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Vi Daley (43rd) as well as local community organizations and more to ensure the needs of businesses are considered when implementing new public policy. The LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee works each year to draft a Legislative Agenda which is presented to our alderman, highlighting the issues that will contribute to the success of neighborhood businesses.

In addition to the LPCC’s benefits members already enjoy, U.S. Chamber membership provides access to members-only sections of www.uschamber.com, including thousands of small business tips and tools; discounts on products and services; uschamber.com Weekly e-newsletter; the U.S. Chamber’s monthly flagship publication, uschamber.com; and timely communications alerting small businesses to pressing legislation or policy initiatives.

“With access to the resources of both the LPCC and the U.S. Chamber, our members will be able to have their voices heard with all of their elected officials,” continued Schilf.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. Learn more at www.uschamber.com.

Illinois Sales Tax Changes September 1, 2009

2009-07-16T12:47:10Z

On September 1, 2009 there will be changes to the Illinois sales tax laws to account for the recent definitional changes to the definitions of "Grooming and Hygiene Products" and "Soft Drinks" as well as the addition of a "Candy" definition. Currently "Soft Drinks" are taxed at the non-food (high) rate, "Candy" is taxed at the food (low) rate and "Grooming and Hygiene Products" may be either depending on the "medicinal claims" on the label.

Effective, September 1, 2009 each of these product categories will be taxed at the non-food or non-medicine high rate.

The definitions in the new Statute are taken directly from the Streamlined Sales Tax Project glossary of terms, so if you operate in any other State which uses these definitions and applies the sales tax rate to these products you already know how Illinois will treat specific items.

Following are the specific definitions from the new Act and what the Illinois Department is saying about each:

Grooming/Hygiene Products

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "nonprescription medicines and drugs" does not include grooming and hygiene products. For purposes of this Section, "grooming and hygiene products" includes, but is not limited to, soaps and cleaning solutions, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, antiperspirants, and sun tan lotions and screens, unless those products are available by prescription only, regardless of whether the products meet the definition of "over-the-counter-drugs". For the purposes of this paragraph, "over-the-counter-drug" means a drug for human use that contains a label that identifies the product as a drug as required by 21 C.F.R. § 201.66. The "over-the-counter-drug" label includes: (A) A "Drug Facts" panel; or (B) A statement of the "active ingredient(s)" with a list of those with a list of those ingredients contained in the compound, substance or preparation.

Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01

Personal Grooming and Hygiene Products

Grooming and personal hygiene products for humans are taxed as general merchandise (high rate) whether or not they make a medicinal claim, unless sold as a result of a prescription. Products affected by this change include, but are not limited to,

- Body soap and cleansers,
- Shampoo,
- Toothpaste,
- Mouthwash,
- Antiperspirant, and
- Suntan lotion and screens.

Soft Drinks

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, 'soft drinks' mean non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, or greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01

The definition of "soft drink" has changed. "Soft drink" is any non-alcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners. This includes, but is not limited to,

- Soda,
- Sport or energy drinks,
- Sweetened tea,
- Waters containing natural or artificial sweeteners,
- Beverages containing natural or artificial sweeteners,
- Beverages containing 50 percent or less fruit or vegetable juice, and
- All other preparations commonly known as soft drinks.

Exception: "Soft drink" does not include any beverage containing milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, unsweetened teas, drinks with greater than 50 percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume, and carbonated or uncarbonated water that contains no natural or artificial sweeteners. These remain reported on Form ST-1, Step3, Line 5a, and taxed as food (low rate).

Note: All beverages sold at a restaurant remain taxed as general merchandise (high rate).

How do I make the determination?

You must check the ingredients label or package. If an item contains milk or milk products or does not contain natural or artificial sweeteners, it is taxed as food (low rate).

Do these changes affect the Chicago Soft Drink Tax?

Yes. The broader definition of "soft drink" also applies to the Chicago Soft Drink Tax. The "soft drinks" previously identified as moving from low rate to high rate taxation will not be subject to the Chicago Soft Drink Tax. The rate for that tax remains at three percent (.03) and reported on Form ST-14, Chicago Soft Drink Tax Return.

See Publication 116. Chicago Soft Drink Tax, for more information regarding this local tax.

What if I have questions?

The department will answer taxpayer questions from the Tax Talk section on our Web site at tax.illinois.gov.

Candy

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" does not include candy. For purposes of this Section, "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation that contains flour or requires refrigeration.

Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01

Candy has a broad definition. For Illinois taxing purposes, candy is a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners, in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients, or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Examples include, but are not limited to,

- Chocolate bars,
- Yogurt or chocolate covered fruit or nuts,
- Honey coated nuts,
- Caramel popcorn,
- Lollipops,
- Snack mixes containing yogurt or chocolate,
- Breath mints, and
- Gum

Exemption: Items that contain flour or require refrigeration are not considered candy. Examples include, but are not limited to,

- Chocolate covered cookies,
- Yogurt covered pretzels,
- "candy" that contains flour,
- Plain dried fruits, and
- Nuts with no added sweeteners.

How do I make the determination?

You must check the ingredients label or package. If an item contains flour or requires refrigeration, it remains taxed as food (low rate). If an item contains sugar, it is taxed as general merchandise (high rate).

Congressman Quigley Announces New Small Business Lending Program

2009-06-16T11:36:19Z

Lincoln Park Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) recently announced that many Chicago-area small businesses may be eligible for interest-free loans under a new program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The “America’s Recovery Capital” (ARC) program, which goes into effect today, allows small firms to take out loans of $35,000 to pay down existing business debts.

Borrowers pay no interest on the ARC loans and repayment does not begin for one year.

“Small business is the engine that keeps the 5th District’s local economy running, and they need and deserve our help during this downturn,” said Congressman Quigley. “As any business owner knows, access to capital is a lifeline, which is why this new loan program is so critical. The ARC program gives small business owners extra breathing room so they can pay their bills and continue to create jobs during our economic recovery.”

To qualify for the ARC loans, small firms must demonstrate they are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the economic downturn, but are otherwise deemed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to be viable. The loans will be made by commercial lenders and can be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debts like credit card obligations, mortgages, lines of credit, and balances due to suppliers, vendors, and utilities.

“Every day, a new ‘Commercial Space For Lease’ signs goes up in my district, marking where a business and jobs used to be,” recalled Cong. Quigley. “This new program is designed to help ease the pressure and keep ‘Open’ and ‘Welcome’ signs displayed in the window.”

To apply for ARC loans, businesses should visit their local SBA-approved small business lenders. The loans will be available through Sept. 30, 2010, or until appropriated funding runs out. Additional information about the ARC loan program is available at http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html.

LPCC Supports Inspector General Report on Parking Meter Fiasco

2009-06-03T07:33:28Z

The following is the official statement of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) after City of Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman released a report stating that the hasty approval of the City's 75-year parking lease may have cost residents, businesses and elected officials $1 billion.

For Immediate Release: LPCC Reponds to Parking Meter Fiasco

As headlines continue to fill the news about broken meters and unhappy aldermen, the LPCC applauds City of Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman for holding City Council members accountable for leasing the City’s meters for the next 75 years.

“We commend Inspector General David Hoffman’s inquiry into the value of the parking meter lease and for his efforts to hold our elected officials accountable,” said Kim Schilf, President and CEO of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. “Despite City Alderman’s efforts to include a required review period for future deals, the issue of the hasty lease of a precious asset remains.”

Although the LPCC supports parking meters to encourage business turnover, a 75-year lease and deferred control of costs and meter times is both of detriment to businesses and the vitality of neighborhoods,” Schilf continued. “With costs increasing by as much as 400% in some neighborhoods – to start – only time will tell as to how high they will climb.”

“Between increased taxes, higher fees and parking costs, the LPCC asks aldermen to think about the price point at which consumers will simply go elsewhere for their goods and services,” Schilf concluded. “With approximately $1 billion left on the table with the privatization of our city’s parking meters, we worry that the financial well-being of businesses is at risk as well.”

Round 2: Sales Tax Stays

2009-06-02T12:23:30Z

On June 2, the Cook County Board of Commissioners again failed to overturn Board President Todd Stroger's veto of an original vote to roll-back last year's increase of the county sales tax - the highest sales tax in the county.

Interested in having your opinion heard? Reach out to the Cook County Board of Commissioners today and tell them how the repeated taxing of products and services in Chicago has affected your business.

Their contact information is available below:
Commissioner Earlean Collins (1) , (312) 603-4566
ecollins@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Robert Steele (2) , (312) 603-3019
rsteele@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Jerry Butler (3) , (312) 603-6391
jbulter@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner William Beavers (4) , (312)603-2065
wbeavers@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Deborah Sims (5) , (312)603-6381
dsims@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Joan Murphy (6) , (312)603-4216
jmurphy@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Joseph Moreno (7) , (312)603-5443
jmoreno@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Roberto Maldonado (8), (312) 603-6386
rmaldonado@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Peter Silvestri (9) , (312)603-4393
psilverstri@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner, Bridget Gainer (10), (312)603-4210
bgainer@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner John Daley (11) , (312)603-4400
jdaley@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Forrest Claypool (12), (312) 603-6380
fclaypool@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Larry Suffredin (13) , (312)603-6383
lsuffredin@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Gregg Goslin (14), (312)603-4932
ggoslin@cookcountgov.com

Commissioner Timothy Schneider (15), (312) 603-6388
toschneider@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Anthony Peraica (16), (312)603-6384
ajperaica@cookcountygov.com

Commissioner Elizabeth Ann Doody Gorman (17), (312)603-4215
eadgorman@cookcountygov.com'

Dumpster Tax Approved

2009-05-14T12:27:56Z

After tabling the vote on the City's new tax of private metal waste containers in late April, the Chicago City Council approved the so-called "Dumpster Tax" on Thursday, May 14. It is important to note, however, that the approved fees represent a decrease from the originally-introduced ordinance.

Alderman voted 36-10 to approve the new, scaled-back tax that will result in fees of $51 (compared to $80) for small businesses, $492 for high rise building owners ($780) and $189 ($300) for the typical restaurant. Of the 10 "no" votes, one was Lincoln Park alderman Scott Waguespack.

With more than 75,000 containers citywide, the City of Chicago stands to earn more than $8 million annually through the new dumpster tax.

Energy-Saving Steps This Year May Result in Tax Savings Next Year

2009-05-11T18:33:14Z

The Internal Revenue Service recently reminded individual and business taxpayers that many energy-saving steps taken this year may result in bigger
tax savings next year.

The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) of 2009 contained
a number of either new or expanded tax benefits on expenditures to reduce energy use
or create new energy sources.

The IRS encouraged individuals and businesses to explore whether they are eligible for
any of the new energy tax provisions. More information on the wide range of energy
items is available on the special Recovery section of IRS.gov. For a larger listing of
ARRA’s energy-related tax benefits, see Fact Sheet 2009-10.

Tax Credits for Home Energy Efficiency Improvements Increase
Homeowners can get bigger tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements or
installing alternative energy equipment.

The IRS also announced homeowners seeking these tax credits can temporarily rely on
existing manufacturer certifications or appropriate Energy Star labels for purchasing
qualifying products until updated certification guidelines are announced later this spring.

“These new, expanded credits encourage homeowners to make improvements that will
make their homes more energy efficient,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.
“People can improve their homes and save money over the long run.”

ARRA provides for a uniform credit of 30 percent of the cost of qualifying improvements
up to $1,500, such as adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows, and energyefficient
heating and air conditioning systems. The new law replaces the old law
combination available in 2007 of a 10-percent credit for certain property and a credit
equal to cost up to a specified amount for other property.

The new law also raised the limit on the amount that can be claimed for improvements
placed in service during 2009 and 2010 to $1,500, instead of the $500 lifetime limit
under the old law.

In addition, the new law has increased the energy efficiency standards for building insulation, exterior windows, doors, and skylights, certain central air conditioners, and natural gas, propane or oil water heaters placed in service after Feb. 17, 2009.

IRS guidance issued before the enactment of ARRA will be modified in the near future to reflect the new energy efficiency standards. In the meantime, homeowners may continue to rely on manufacturers’ certifications that were provided under the old guidance and on Energy Star labels for exterior windows and skylights in determining whether property purchased before June 1, 2009, qualifies for the credit. Manufacturers should not continue to provide certifications for property that fails to meet the new standards. The new law also eliminates the cap on the 30 percent tax credit for alternative energy equipment, such as solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and small wind turbines, installed in a home. The cap generally has been eliminated for these improvements beginning in the 2009 tax year. The IRS today issued Notice 2009-41, which explains the effects of this change.

Funding Options for Renewable Energy Power Plants

Business taxpayers who place in service facilities that produce electricity from wind and some other renewable resources can choose one of three options to fund the project: a tax credit based on the amount invested, a tax credit based on the energy produced or a grant. The flexibility to choose among these options was enacted as part of ARRA. Taxpayers may opt to claim the energy investment tax credit, which generally provides a 30 percent tax credit for investments in energy projects, instead of the production tax credit, which can provide a credit of up to 2.1 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity produced from renewable sources.

Taxpayers making qualified investments that are placed in service after 2008 and before 2014 (or 2013 for wind facilities) can make an irrevocable election to claim the energy investment tax credit instead of the renewable electricity production tax credit. IRS will issue guidance explaining how to make the election. Taxpayers also can claim a grant once the property is placed in service instead of claiming either the energy investment tax credit or the renewable energy production tax credit. For qualified renewable energy facilities, the grant is 30 percent of the investment in the facility as long as construction begins in 2009 or 2010 and the property is placed in service before 2014 (2013 for wind facilities).

The Treasury Department will issue guidance explaining how the grant works and how to apply. Taxpayers electing to receive the grant, created by the ARRA, will not be eligible for either of the tax credits. Proceeds from the grants are not includible in the taxpayer’s gross income, but the grant amount is subject to recapture if the property is disposed of or otherwise ceases to qualify.

Visit www.irs.gov for more information.

TIF Sunshine Transparency Ordinance Passes

2009-04-29T16:55:49Z

On April 22, the Chicago City Council voted 48-0 in favor of the TIF Sunshine transparency ordinance requiring the Department of Community Development, formerly the Planning Department, to post online all publicly available Tax Increment Financing District documents.

By making TIF-related documents available for review, the City will not only create transparency in city spending but also reduce the amount of time and resources that city employees spend searching for TIF documents and processing FOIA requests.

The 160 TIF districts in the city generate a minimum of $500 million per year but these tax dollars are not shown on your tax bill. The TIF Sunshine ordinance as sponsored by Alderman Manny Flores and Lincoln Park Alderman Scott Waguespack is a first small step toward greater transparency in city spending. The full amended text is available on Ald. Waguespack's website and below.

http://www.scottforchicago.com/pdf/TIFSunshine.pdf