NW Illinois News

Illinois State Senate District 37 candidate Li Arellano has expressed criticism of the City of Chicago's proposed budget. He said, "Another $300 million in proposed property taxes—just Chicago politicians doing their normal tax-and-spend-more routine."

"Another $300 million in proposed property taxes—just Chicago politicians doing their normal tax-and-spend-more routine," said Arellano, according to Facebook. "That irresponsible mindset is what controls Illinois right now thanks to unethical map-making from more of those Chicago politicians. We cannot let this be our state's future. It costs way, way more than it *should* to live in Illinois."

On October 30, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson presented the budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The announcement revealed that the city faced a projected $986 million budget deficit. According to the release, in addition to strategic cuts and efficiencies, reductions of under 700 vacant positions, the calculations used to balance the budget include a $300 million property tax increase. Estimates are based on 2023 property assessments, so the numbers could change as the 2024 property assessments are finalized. The news release indicates that property owners can expect an estimated 4% increase on their property tax bill.

Screenshot of Li Arellano's Oct. 31 Facebook post | Li Arellano for State Senate Facebook page

Illinois Policy outlined four specific shortcomings in the proposed budget and highlighted the property tax increases. Personnel costs are expected to rise to $4.21 billion compared to $4.18 billion spent in the previous fiscal year; non-personnel costs increased to $6.64 billion over last year's $6.07 billion. Pension costs rose from $2.81 billion to $2.91 billion, and debt financing increased from $2.09 billion to $2.11 billion.

These areas of concern include increases in personnel spending despite declining revenue; proposed property tax hikes; pension contributions that have grown by $1.6 billion since 2019; and reliance on temporary funding alongside misallocation of tax increment funds to bridge financial gaps.

Arellano previously served as mayor of Dixon starting in 2015, where he focused on restoring fiscal integrity, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering economic development during his two-term tenure. According to his website, after achieving his objectives as mayor, Arellano adhered to his pledged term limits and did not seek reelection for a third term but returned to the private sector where he now owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop—the Frosted Spoon—and a commercial property leasing company. In addition to his business ventures, Arellano serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently a squad leader with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.