Emanuel Proposes Changes To City Sales, Gas Taxes
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel is proposing tax reforms that he says will be both good for businesses and consumers.
Emanuel wants to change the way the city's natural gas tax is imposed. Currently, it is a straight percentage, which he says hurts poor families. He would want to calculate the tax based on the amount of gas used.
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He also is proposing to cut the current city sales tax from 1.25 percent to 1 percent.
In exchange, the sales tax would be imposed on currently exempt purchases, such as private clubs memberships, dog grooming, limo services and tanning parlors.
"Close loopholes, stop picking winners and losers in what gets affected but then you can reduce the rate," Emanuel said. "We think over four years it will pick up a little more revenue."
