Consider impact of bill on poorer communities

It appears District 214 is fully committed to and engaged in systematic racism and exclusionary practices and initiatives by sponsoring state Sen. Gillespie's bill to create a culture where the rich get richer and the less fortunate communities continue to suffer from lack of economic growth.

The national events and racial justice awakening of recent months appears to have prompted District 214 to expand their political action and efforts to endorse Sen. Gillespie's Senate Bill 2298.

As one of the few economic development tools available to municipalities, tax increment financing would be gutted if this bill is enacted into law. I would like you to explain to the residents of Harvey, Chicago Heights, Calumet Park, Dixmoor and Dolton how they will be able to attract jobs and basic retail like grocery stores to their community without an economic incentive.

Can you see a common theme in the communities listed above? They are significantly more minority and lower income than residents of District 214. Many of Sen. Gillespie's constituents wouldn't know where to locate these communities on a map even though they are located in Cook County.

What would District 214's privileged constituents know about the plight of communities of lesser means? Supporting this bill is nothing more than a selfish money grab by a school district that is one of the most overfunded in the state of Illinois. I would ask that the district self-reflect about the impact of Senate Bill 2298 to minority and rural communities in Illinois and immediately pull your support.

Your support would continue a cycle of systematic racism against communities who stand to lose future economic opportunity to neighboring States.

Peter Raphael

Western Springs