Two members of the City Council LGBT caucusAlds. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) and Deb Mell (33rd)were among the council members who voted, on Oct. 28, against Mayor Rahm Emanuel's 2016 budget package, which included a $589 million property tax increase.
The council voted 36-14 in favor of the budget.
"It's a sad day when we can't look at cutting our own six-figure salaries. It's a sad day when we can't look at meaningful TIF reform," Ramirez-Rosa said before the vote, according to Progress Illinois. "It's easy to go to those with the least power and say, 'Give me more out of your pocket.' What's tough is turning to your political campaign contributors and asking them to pay their fair share."
Another caucus member, Ald. James Cappleman (46th), voted in favor of the increase and told DNAinfo, "We have no choice," given that the city faces increased required payments towards firefighters' and police officers' pensions in 2016. The property-tax increase will be implemented over four years.
In a statement to constituents, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said that he voted for Emanuel's budget for three reasons: He had been assured that 35 extra police officers will be assigned to the 19th Police District in 2016; the new budget included additional investment in Lake View High School; and the pension commitments to firefighters and police officers had to be honored.
"Moving forward, my colleagues and I need to continue to look at non-tax revenue sources while also considering how we can trim costs without cutting vital city services. We are still faced with great challenges and must address them head-on," Tunney said.
Other "no" votes included Alds. Brian Hopkins (2nd), Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th), Roberto Maldonado (26th), Jason Irvin (28th), Chris Taliaferro (29th), Milly Santiago (31st), Scott Waguespack (32nd), Gilbert Villegas (36th), Anthony Napolitano (41st), Brendan Reilly (42nd), Harry Osterman (48th) and Debra Silverstein (50th).
Progress Illinois' story is at bit.ly/1XzICyN . DNAinfo's story is at dnain.fo/1M25YJB .