This is getting out of hand. I thought 9.25 was outrageous and now this.
And you were expecting lower taxes from a Democrat run government? The "give away" programs are just out of hand in Cook County (IMO), thus the need for higher taxes. Want more of the same, then vote for Obama in November.
Come on guys, Stroger is only trying to give out raises to his unqualified family members that he appointed to high ranking county jobs. The least we can do is hand over another 1% of our hard earned money. You'll notice almost all of Strogers constituants are those who only see benefit from hand out programs and feel no negatives from these tax hikes. Says something about Cook Co. when these kind of people are the majority voters.
It was quite interesting in Montreal, where they have an even higher sales tax. However this year the mayor is lowering it, because - get this - they have enough money! What a noble concept. Like that would ever happen around here...
Not that I'm an Obama fan (and this is the wrong forum for such a discussion anyhow), but the good economists from the CATO institute analyzed Obama's tax plan and quite frankly I'm a LONG shot away from being affected by that tax increase. It really is targeting the rich and not the middle class.
There will never be enough money to fill the Chicago piggy bank when there is such a big crack/leak in the bottom of it.
This is going to hurt the privately owned retail shops throughout Chicago more than anybody. I love supporting our local business, but I think I'll be doing my large purchase shopping in the suburbs from now on. Sorry grocery store owner on the corner down the street. I know I won't be alone once people start looking at the amount of taxes added on their receipts.
Don't believe it for a second. There is a reason the richest people in US are financing and sponsoring that guy....
Take a look at the tax map. It's another % higher south of Diversey down to the south loop--a meager 11.25%
Don't bet on it. Depends on how you qualify "rich". According to 2006 figures the top 25% wage earners in the US start at just over $60K. As for me, I am close enough to Lake County to most of my shopping.
According to the CATO institute you need to be making at least $ 250,000/year to get affected by Obama's tax increase. Again, I'm not an Obama fan, but let's decide based on facts and not mere rumors.
That's what so great about discussing tax rates. As long as they affect other people, it's all good . I'd take that a fair number of Ferrari owners are going to be well into the $250k/yr range and will feel the hurt. But a good percentage are probably even more pissed about the Euro->Dollar exchange, the huge gaping deficit, and other macro matters. I'd personally be thrilled to see the tax rate go up some if it meant getting the 2001 dollar back. If you have any bills in euros, you've essentially lost half your buying power since then. HALF! Any tax hike is going to look pretty paltry compared to that.
A change in taxation has little influence on the exchange rate. Other factors such as trade surplus, budget deficit and economic stabilty weigh in heavier. The current weak dollar can be reversed to a large degree by a new president, be that Obama or McCain.
