By Mark Weyermuller -
Chicago needs to bag the bag tax. Earlier this year, the city council here implemented a seven cent per bag tax on each one given out for free by merchants within the city. Shopping bags have been free with a purchase since the beginning of time.
On the surface, it sounds like a good idea, for who can argue with saving the environment? Unfortunately, there are unexpected consequences. There has been backlash resulting in an immediate drop in sales especially at local grocery stores within the city limits. In addition, customers who purchase bags now have less money and of course are paying more taxes.
For the past two years, I have been posting photos of empty Chicago storefronts on social media. There are thousands of vacant commercial spaces throughout the city. This means the jobs are gone, along with the sales tax revenue. The bag tax does not help.
Stores like Walmart in Hammond, Indiana and in Lincolnwood on Touhy Avenue have plenty of "free" bags as shown in my photo below. Both these stores are directly across the street from the Chicago city limits. Customers have the option here to bring their own bags. That is the freedom I would endorse. The city needs to lower taxes, especially the 10.25% sales tax and the escalating property taxes.
Chicago has a declining population as indicated in a recent Chicago Tribune story. Last year Chicago Public Schools had a decline in enrollment of 14,000 students. I blame poor schools, high crime, high property taxes, lack of jobs, government corruption, and now, the bag tax.
To further complicate and confuse people, it appears the city does not want people to recycle bags. One of my neighbors was warned NOT to put plastic bags in a recycle container. What is this about?
Having the government micro-manage every aspect of our lives is not a good use of our precious tax dollars. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the 50 alderman need to focus on improving schools, lowering crime, creating jobs, fixing potholes, and lowering property taxes. Are we taxed enough already? I say "bag" the bag tax.
