Emanuel defends tax increase for Chicago schools

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is defending a property tax increase the Chicago Public Schools proposes because he says they’ve made substantial cuts.

Emanuel said Tuesday the schools are working to make substantial changes after inheriting a $712 million deficit. He praised them for reining in the bureaucracy while trying to expand some programs.

He says he has “no tolerance” for big bureaucracy or inefficiency. CPS has made tough choices, but Emanuel says they’re not done. If there are more places to cut he wants to find them.

The Chicago Tribune says the proposed tax increase would cost homeowners an extra $84 on a home assessed at $250,000.

Emanuel previously said he won’t raise taxes to fix a deficit in the city budget because taxpayers feel “nickeled and dimed.”