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Public School Funding & Property Taxes
Labor Day Weekend Hours
Annual Shredding Event & Clothing Drive
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Earlier this week, the Illinois General Assembly finally passed
legislation somewhat changing the school funding formula in Illinois, and, for the first time, devoting State money to assist in funding Chicago teacher pensions. CPS is pleased with the outcome, stating that this helps put the schools on the road to stable finances, according to
the
Chicago Tribune
.
That legislation however, includes $75 million in tax credits to for private school scholarships and an estimated 2.5% property tax increase to raise about $125 million. While it is a relief to secure more equitable funding for Chicago Public School students, our Ward that is already carrying more than our fair share of supporting city coffers.
The Chicago Reader provides an insightful
analysis
.
According to a CPS fact sheet, for this fiscal year, CPS will gain $450 million in funding over last year. That increase is due to:
- $76 million in additional funding through the new, more equitable funding formula. The figure should increase over ten years.
- $18 million additional for early childhood education;
- $13 million additional for bilingual education;
- $4 million net loss from other programs;
- $221 million in new pension funding to cover the "normal" cost of CPS' pensions. Note, the normal cost is the actuarial cost of one year of earned pension benefits by Chicago teachers. Last year, CPS received only $12 million.
- $125 million in revenues from the property tax increase, which CPS states will be devoted to making part of its contribution to the long-underfunded pensions. CPS pensions remain underfunded, and only since 2016 has CPS been required to make the full required amount.
As I have written
, such tax increases can be particularly unfair and burdensome to our long term residents and senior homeowners. While the recent legislation ensures schools will open on time, it followed an unnecessary and unprecedented delay in Springfield to address the problem. I have not been provided with a full breakdown on the tax increase formula but will share information as soon as it is available.
The 43rd Ward hosts 6 outstanding public schools, each having served families for generations. Understandably, our community takes pride in thriving local schools. These current budget hardships should result in future fiscal accountability and full transparency. To that end, we must demand more comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to public school funding.
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Office Hours and Closure for Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day our office will close at
2:00 p.m. on
Friday, September 1, 2017. Normal business hours will resume on
Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
If you have a need for city services, please call 3-1-1 for non-emergency requests, or dial 9-1-1 if you require immediate assistance.
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Property Valuation Appeals - Lakeview
The Cook County Board of Review opens property valuation appeals for Lakeview Township, which covers properties north of Fullerton Avenue, from
Monday, August 28, 2017 until
Tuesday, September 26, 2017.
Click
here for more information and to file an appeal online.
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43rd Ward Hosts Annual Shredding Event and Clothing Drive
Saturday, September 9
We will accept paper documents and unwanted electronics. Please note, no televisions or expired medications will be collected at this shredding event.
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September 2017 Street Sweeping Schedule
Please click here to view the 2017 September street sweeping schedule and here to view the street sweeping map of the 43rd Ward.
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Community Stewardship Workday at the Caldwell Lily Pool
Lincoln Park Conservancy hosts a Community Stewardship Workday, Hops and Habitat, on Thursday, September 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fullerton gate of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, located at 125 W. Fullerton Avenue.
Workday activities include planting, pulling invasive species, restoring trails, cleaning fences and mulching trees. Workdays are followed by an optional social gathering at a local restaurant.
RSVP by contacting Aaron Hammond here.
Click here for more information
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St. Pauls United Church Annual Rummage Sale
Saint Pauls United Church of Christ, located at
2335 N. Orchard Street, will host their annual rummage sale next
Saturday, September 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Stop by and support the community! Click here for additional information and for volunteer opportunities.
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18th District Safety Alert - Catalytic Converter Thefts
The 18th District has recently issued a
community alert
in regards to several
reported thefts of catalytic converters from parked vehicles.
We are awaiting a description of the suspect(s) but we can share the following:
The catalytic converter thefts occurred at:
- 2100 block of North Fremont Street August 7-8, 2017 during the evening and early morning hours.
- 1800 block of North Bissell Street August 7-8, 2017 during the evening and early morning hours.
- 2100 block of North Lakewood Avenue August 18-19, 2017 during the evening and early morning hours.
- 2200 block of North Lakewood Avenue August 19, 2017 in the morning.
What you can do:
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows secured at all times.
- Keep your valuable items in the trunk or out of site inside of your vehicle.
- If you are a victim of a crime, do not touch anything and contact the police immediately.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately and provide a detailed description of any suspicious people including a description of the vehicle and licenses plate information.
Please remember to follow these precautions and stay safe. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to attend your local
CAPS meeting.
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Please have your block represented at one of the many Community Policing meetings that are regularly offered.
18th District:
- 1814, 1824, 1834 Beat Meeting - Tues., Sept. 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Latin Upper School, 59 W. North Ave.
- 1821, 1822, 1823 Beat Meeting - Tues., Sept. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 18th District Community Relations Office, 1160 N. Larrabee Ave.
- 1811, 1812, 1813 Beat Meeting - Thurs., Sept. 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 2101 N. Fremont St.
19th District:
- 1932 Beat Meeting - Mon., Sept. 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., New Life Community Church, 1110 W. Lill Ave.
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Register for the Roof and Porch Repair Program
The Roof and Porch Repair Program provide grants from $5,000 to $30,000 to low-moderate income owner occup
ants of 1-4 unit residential buildings.
Register for the 2018 Roof and Porch lottery here from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017.
Click
here
for more information.
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Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend,
Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward
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43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM
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