Border Patrol Chief Discusses Firearms at Protests

Greg Bovino, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Division, stated during his appearance on the Evening Edit that firearms and the use of vehicles as weapons during protests is, contrary to President Barack Obama’s remarks, not typical. This raises questions about the perception of safety and the realities faced in specific areas.

Chicago Mayor Proposes Business Tax Reinstatement

In a surprising move, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is looking to bring back a corporate tax that was eliminated over a decade ago. However, many local businesses are voicing concerns, claiming this tax could lead to job losses in the city. The proposed `poll tax` would affect companies with 100 or more employees, costing them $21 monthly for each worker.

The tax would adjust annually with inflation and is calculated based on how many employees work in Chicago for at least half their hours. Johnson hopes this initiative will help address the city’s significant $1.2 billion budget deficit, projecting an annual revenue increase of around $100 million.

Concerns from Local Industry Leaders

Ken Griffin, a billionaire and founder of Citadel, remarked that leaving Chicago wasn’t a difficult decision, citing issues like crime and taxes as significant factors. Critics, like Sam Toia from the Illinois Restaurant Association, argue that this new tax could be a “job killer.” Toia emphasized the struggles of restaurants, noting they’ve been operating on very tight margins, and he believes this tax would hinder growth in the industry.

Historical Context of the Poll Tax

Chicago previously had this poll tax from 1973 until 2014, which brought in an average of $20 million year after year. Initially, businesses were charged $4 per employee, but this dropped to $2 in 2012 as the tax phased out under Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration.

Additional Tax Proposals from Johnson

Beyond the poll tax, Mayor Johnson is suggesting various other taxes aimed at generating revenue. This includes an increase in the cloud services tax from 11% to 14%, which could potentially add about $333 million yearly. He’s also looking to expand taxes on rideshare services in busy areas to raise an estimated $230 million annually.

Impact of Corporate Exits on Chicago

The Windy City has witnessed several corporations, such as Boeing, Caterpillar, and Griffin’s Citadel, relocating their headquarters or major operations elsewhere. This trend raises concerns among residents and business owners about the long-term economic landscape of Chicago.