Chicago Democrats Pass Giant Tax Increase: Even Bottled Water to Get Special Tax

CBS TV Chicago reports:

The City Council on Tuesday approved Mayor Richard M. Daley's $275 million budget proposal for next year.

The budget includes an array of tax hikes. It will raise property taxes by $86 million – a smaller amount than the mayor originally proposed, but still the largest of his 18-year administration.

In addition, the budget will include a 5 cent tax on bottled water. It also calls for a new tax on a six-pack of beer, a comparable tax on a bottle of wine, and a higher amount for a liter bottle of hard liquor. Parking fees will also go up under the proposal.

It also raises fines for drivers to run red lights from $90 to $100, at the same time the city plans to install red-light cameras in 20 more intersections across the city.

The property tax hike translates to a $60-a-year increase for the owner of a $250,000 home.

Some people like raising taxes.I bet you can guess what party has controlled Chicago since 1931.Here's more on the 43-7 budget that passed by the Democratic City Council of Chicago.More here.