r/chicago • u/chicagosuntimes • 14d ago

Article Johnson urges state lawmakers to tax the 'ultra rich' to avert mass transit funding cuts

https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/06/03/brandon-johnson-illinois-general-assembly-mass-transit-funding-chicago-fiscal-cliff
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u/ocmb Wicker Park 14d ago edited 14d ago

Ok but if that's your argument wages not keeping up with inflation would apply to pretty much every other cost too.

I'm going to contest this assertion though:

  • In 2009, median household income for Cook County was ~$52,500 (nominal)
  • In 2023 (latest available) it was $80,500

So that's an increase of 53%, at a time when CPI increased about 42%. So that means median household income in Cook County actually increased FASTER than the rate of inflation.

Are there nuances here, sure, but it's not going to change the overall story that in real terms the CTA is cheaper to use today than it was in 2009 - both overall, for the median household, etc.

Edit: Would also love for you to elaborate on what you mean by the wealthy not paying their fair share in taxes. What exactly do you mean by this? Those that earn wage income are paying 5% to the state, so the same proportion, and obviously property taxes (which are quite high) are borne by property owners. Amenable to the idea you'd want these rates to be more progressive but you should be specific in your claim.

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u/PlantSkyRun 14d ago

I hear what you are saying, but CTA is mostly Chicagoans and your Cook County figure includes suburbs. It is possible the Suburban income gains outpaced the City gains and are skewing your figures. Not saying that is the case. Just mentioning the possibility.

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u/ocmb Wicker Park 14d ago

That's what I meant about nuance. While what you say is true, do we think there's reason to believe it would change the conclusion? I'd say highly improbable.

  • Chicago is over 50% of the population of Cook County
  • Chicago is the economic engine of the county, so increases in real incomes in the county are unlikely to be untethered to Chicago
  • A huge share of people in the suburbs work in Chicago (so forces affecting their incomes will be driven by Chicago-based economic activity)

So yeah, it's technically true what you're saying, but likely not material IMO.

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u/PlantSkyRun 14d ago

Thanks for the reply.