Unpaid Tickets And Taxes? Emanuel Launches An Amnesty Program

By Kate Shepherd in News on Sep 4, 2015 8:20PM

© 2014 City of Chicago/Brooke Collins

Do you still owe the City of Chicago for back taxes, red light tickets or parking tickets issued before 2012? The city has good news for you.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is launching an amnesty program for people who have unpaid tickets, back taxes and other fees they owe the city, according to the Tribune. The city hopes to raise money through the initiative by encouraging people who owe money to pay it without facing penalties. They really need the cash.

It's not clear on how big the break on late fees will be or how much money it will raise for the city, the Tribune says.

The city is also starting new payment plan option for vehicle tickets so people will be more inclined to pay up before the late fees take effect.

After news that the city budget will include a massive property tax increase, Emanuel is trying to make the case that he's not hiking costs for residents across the board. The amnesty program was pushed by aldermen so it also gives the mayor something to new to point to as an example of his collaboration with other elected officials.