For most Chicago residents, quality of life is greatly impacted by the community in which they live. This in turn means every Chicagoan’s well-being in large part depends on the tax policies of both Illinois and Chicago being well-designed and capable of generating adequate revenue over time. While most folks don’t make the connection between taxes they pay and the quality of life they experience, the nexus between the two is undeniable.
In fact, many public services and goods funded by the state and city, like education, roads, public safety, economic development, parks and libraries, generally benefit almost everyone. Others, like job training, child care assistance, affordable housing, domestic violence prevention and counseling, health care, and services that support senior citizens, low-income families, and those with physical disabilities or mental health concerns, focus direct benefits on smaller segments of the population. They provide indirect benefits to society by reducing crime, helping individuals stay employed and improving the overall quality of communities.
