Public School Funding & Property Taxes
 Labor Day Weekend Hours
Annual Shredding Event & Clothing Drive
Dear Neighbor,

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.

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.

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. 
43rd Ward Hosts Annual Shredding Event and Clothing Drive
Saturday, September 9


Please join us and Friends of Epilepsy Foundation at the Peggy Notebaert Museum, located at  2430 N. Cannon Drive , this Saturday, September 9  from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for our annual shredding event and clothing drive!  

We will accept paper documents and unwanted electronics. Please note, no televisions or expired medications will be collected at this shredding event.
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. 


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
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. 

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.
 CAPS Beat Meetings 

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.
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. 

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend,

Michele Signature




Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward 


43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM 
 2523 N Halsted | 773-348-9500| yourvoice@ward43.org| www.ward43.org
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