Occupy Chicago Forms "Bread Line" at Thompson Center to Oppose CME Tax Breaks

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 18, 2011 10:20PM

Nearly a dozen members of Occupy Chicago marched and rallied at the Thompson Center this afternoon to form what they dubbed a bread line to highlight their opposition to Senate Bill 405. The bill would give major tax breaks to CME Group and CBOE Holdings. In a press release to media earlier today, Cecilia Marvone, a registered nurse and Occupy Chicago participant said “Illinois can’t afford this bill. It is only being considered because CME made some well-placed campaign contributions: $200,000 to Rahm Emanuel, $150,000 to speaker Mike Madigan, and $90,000 to Gov. Quinn."

The small contingent of activists drummed on cast iron pots and tin cups, entered the Thompson Center, and used the "people’s microphone" to provide the reasons they oppose the bill. While they were halted by security trying to pay a visit to Gov. Quinn, they managed to pass out fliers to merchants and other visitors to the Thompson Center.

The bill to grant the tax breaks stalled in the legislature last week. My Stateline reports the package could cost Illinois $850 million a year. A full vote by the Senate and House is scheduled for Nov. 21.