Voters To Have Their Say On The Bring Chicago Home Referendum After Legal Battle Ends

The long legal fight over the Bring Chicago Home referendum has come to an end, ensuring Chicago voters will get to vote on the ballot measure next week. After weeks of back-and-forth in the lower courts, the Illinois Supreme Court declined on Wednesday. To hear an appeal by opponents seeking to remove the question from the March 19 primary ballot. With the challenge now reject, all votes cast for or against the referendum will be officially count.

If approved, the Bring Chicago Home referendum would amend the city’s real estate transfer tax structure. It proposes increasing the tax on property sales over $1 million, with the additional funds raised going towards. Providing affordable housing and services for the homeless population. Supporters argue this is a crucial step towards addressing the city’s homelessness crisis. However, critics argue it will hurt property owners.

The Debate Over Homelessness Funding

The debate surrounding the Bring Chicago Home referendum has ignited passionate arguments on both sides of the issue. While proponents insist raising funds through the tax hike is desperately need to help get people off the streets. Opponents counter that the change will negatively impact landlords and businesses still recovering from the pandemic. With the legal battle now over, the decision will be left to Chicago voters to weigh these perspectives and determine if the higher tax rate is justified to help solve the homelessness crisis.

After months in the courts, the issue has reached its final stage and voters will have their say on March 19th. With the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene, the Bring Chicago Home referendum question will remain on ballots citywide. The results of the vote either way are sure to impact the ongoing discussion around how the city addresses homelessness for years to come.