Compiled by Ashmar Mandou

Political Sidebar is a weekly round-up of commentary from elected officials around the Chicagoland area discussing topical issues affecting their communities.

Congressman García on the Environment
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) joined Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Nicole Cantello, President of AFGE Local 704, Representatives from Sierra Club Illinois and other environmental organizations at an Earth Day rally to denounce President Trump’s budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “In my district, asthma exacerbated by diesel emissions from trucks and buses is a major health problem. Yet President Trump wants to cut 90 percent of the funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant program, which provides money to retrofit or replace diesel-powered vehicles with cleaner models. Concerned mothers have come to my district office sharing their stories about how climate change is impacting their daily lives. The increased frequency of extreme weather events in the Midwest adversely affects their children’s health raising concerns about the quality of the air they breathe and the water they drink.” -Congressman García

Rep. Lilly Backs Fair Tax Effort to Cut Taxes for Middle Class
State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is fighting to cut taxes for 97 percent of taxpayers and make the wealthy pay their fair share with the fair tax amendment, which will also help fund critical services and public education. “Illinois’ middle class is unfairly and disproportionately taxed as a result of the flat tax provision in the state’s constitution,” Lilly said. “Adopting a fair tax not only helps families save money, but this would also help stabilize state finances and invest in critical life-saving services and programs.” -Rep. Lilly

Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Burnett Break Ground on Newest Fulton Market Development
Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Alderman Burnett (27th Ward), development partners Shapack and Focus and capital partner Walton Street Capital to break ground on the latest project in Fulton Market District, building on years of investment in an area that is now powering the City’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem.  “In recent years, the Fulton Market District has been reborn and is now home to some of the world’s largest technology, consumer brand and professional service businesses.  By working closely with the community and Alderman Burnett, we have been able to ensure this neighborhood is a vibrant, mixed-use economy of the 21st Century, while also harnessing this growth to support economic development throughout the City.” -Mayor Emanuel