More Shrinkage

Anyone think this is yet another reason why taxpayers are fleeing?

• Property tax income for Cook County governments has nearly doubled since 2000, far outpacing the rate of inflation and growth in average wages, said a study issued Monday by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

  The report shows where governments’ tax appetites have grown the fastest in the city and suburbs. It’s accompanied by a tool on the treasurer’s website that lets property owners see the growth in their individual bills.

  Pappas, whose office issues the tax bills and receives the payments, called the findings “a sobering reminder” of property tax burdens. “In the midst of a pandemic and a recession, local governments should take their foot off the gas pedal and stop raising property taxes,” she said.

  It’s a challenging message for local government leaders, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has proposed raising property taxes, cutting certain spending and refinancing debt to close a projected $1.2 billion budget gap for next year. The pandemic-induced recession has hammered revenue for state and local governments.

When you have entire divisions of government sitting at home, "earning" money for not working - instead of judicious and temporary layoffs when revenues are down - and then you attempt to raise taxes on everyone else, who (if they're lucky) are working reduced hours if at all....well, that's a recipe for disaster and more than a few people moving where taxes are lower and jobs are available.