Late last month, the Chicago City Council voted 35-14 to impose a "living wage" requirement on the "big boxes." Since that bill passed, Target and Lowe's have announced that they'll likely cancel expansion plans in Chicago. The stores to be built are slated for low-income areas in need of jobs.
Mayor Richard Daley has been dropping hints that he might veto the "big box" bill. And if the five alderman switch votes, the Council won't have enough votes to override Daley's veto.
In a twist, but not a surprise twist, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is getting involved.
From CBS 2 Chicago:
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.), who may run for mayor next winter, warned of political consequences.
"That would be unfortunate, to not follow the will of the people, to not follow the will of 35 aldermen who made a decision that it's important to pay people a living wage," Jackson said.
The mayor downplayed the threat of political retaliation.
"The unions threaten them. They are going to run 50 candidates against them. That's ridiculous. It's only one issue," Daley said.
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