Judge Invalidates Chicago's 'Bring Chicago Home' Referendum from Primary Ballot

A Cook County judge has ruled that the referendum question funding homelessness prevention in Chicago via a real estate transfer tax increase on the March primary ballot is invalid, dealing a major blow to Mayor Brandon Johnson's initiative. The ruling represents a win for the real estate industry and development groups that sued to block the measure, arguing it violated state law. The ballot question asked voters to approve both a tax cut and tax hike simultaneously, and the judge's decision means votes on it will not be tallied. Supporters of the referendum are hoping for an appeal, while opponents argue that the city hasn't laid out a clear plan for how the revenue will be spent.