Chicago Homelessness Initiative Blocked by Court

A judge's ruling invalidates a key ballot measure aimed at funding services for homeless people, sparking controversy amid early voting.

A Cook County judge invalidated the 'Bring Chicago Home' referendum, a key initiative of Mayor Brandon Johnson to tackle homelessness by increasing taxes on high-value property sales.
The ruling came as a setback for the initiative, which aimed to raise approximately $100 million annually for homelessness services, as early voting had already begun.
Business and real estate groups opposed the measure, arguing it would dampen property sales and lacked a clear plan for the use of the funds.
Supporters of the referendum, including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, expressed outrage and disappointment, emphasizing the need for fair taxation to support homelessness services.
Despite the ruling, both sides continue their campaigns, with supporters hoping for a successful appeal that would allow already cast votes in favor of the referendum to be counted.