The following is a statement from Maxica Williams, Chair of the End Homelessness Ballot Initiative Committee and Board President of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, on the appeal filed by the City of Chicago in the legal challenge against the Bring Chicago Home ballot question:

“We are encouraged by the news that the lower court’s decision will be appealed. We understand that Ballot Question 1 will remain on the ballot during this process and urge our hundreds of thousands of supporters to vote YES on the question as this appeal makes its way through the higher court.

“Make no mistake: the real estate industry would rather have 17,000 homeless children in Chicago than pay their fair share in taxes. This lawsuit is yet another example from the right-wing playbook of how a politically powerful donor class will stop at nothing to deny us housing, healthcare, and the right to vote. 

“We applaud the city’s decision to appeal the judge’s ruling and remind our supporters that they can and should continue to vote YES on Ballot Question 1 while the appeal is underway. Our campaign hit record numbers via doors, phones, and grassroots fundraising this weekend, mobilized by this blatant attempt at voter suppression by a handful of wealthy real estate interests. Together, we will continue to move closer to realizing our vision of getting Chicagoans out of the cold and into a home.”