Chicago property taxes

Gov. Bruce Rauner hailed the measure as a compromise that will fund Illinois' schools fairly.

Now tax scavengers can pounce on homeowners past due on their bills in just 90 days.   

Ald. Michele Smith wondered why applicants can't use "this thing called the internet" to apply.

Lawmakers want to end financial incentives that they say contribute to neighborhood blight.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel defends property tax hike as "what's right."

The Emanuel administration estimated the average rebate would be worth $150.

The final proposal added extra appeals in cases of "extraordinary hardship" in paying property taxes.

Aldermen seek to find some way to protect renters from having a massive tax increase passed on to them.

The measure would also allow $100 to all seniors who saw their property-tax bills spike.

"If you're 'living like a local,' there aren't going to be any locals there," Ald. Michele Smith said.

The hike will most likely be seen in bills due Aug. 1, officials said.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa wants to reward landlords who don't pass the property-tax hike on to tenants.

Moreno said the city could cover the cost by charging people based on how much garbage they throw out.

One alderman called city leaders "bullies" for adding taxes instead of cutting their own pay.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel emphasized that $544 million would be for police and firefighter pension payments.