May 18, 2013
An official wants to try to curb Chicago's homicide rate by imposing a new tax -- a nickel for each bullet and $25 for each gun sold in the surrounding county.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is set to propose the measure Thursday when she introduces her budget to the board of commissioners.
Preckwinkle's office says the tax will raise about a $1 million a year, with some of that money helping to pay for treatment of gunshot victims.
Officials say gang violence has contributed to a rash of shootings. Chicago has had more than 400 homicides this year, a sharp increase from 2011.
Gun rights advocates scoff at that suggestion and say the tax will only cost law-abiding citizens more money and won't do anything to reduce crime.
