Stimulus plan proposed for Loop

A group of Chicago aldermen are proposing a stimulus plan for the city's business district, contending restaurants, retailers and theaters in the area desperately need a shot in the arm.

Led by Brendan Reilly and Tom Tunney, the alderman want to waive the city's $3-per-car downtown parking tax on Saturdays and Sundays, phase out the $4-a-month head tax, and repeal the entire one percentage point increase in the Cook County sales tax.

Reilly called repeal of the Cook County sales tax increase imperative, saying there is a need for people to spend downtown and not head for the suburbs to shop.

Tunney said none of the proposals will be a panacea, but in addition to the federal and state stimulus, the city must do its share to jump-start the economy.