Chicago Alderman Debra Silverstein has called for an important city budget vote scheduled for Dec. 13 to be completed before her Shabbat observance begins.
“I want to officially document my religious requirements for the City Council meeting this Friday,” she stated in a letter sent to the Mayor’s office and the Chicago City Council. “My religious observance will require me to leave City Hall by 3 p.m. at the latest.”
“In order to discharge my legislative obligations, I need the budget vote to be completed by that time,” she said. “I ask that the meeting begin on time and that the budget votes be taken first so that due consideration is given to the religious needs of Jewish legislators and members of the public who are watching.”
Silverstein stated that “voting on a budget for the City of Chicago is one of the most important works of the public body.”
The City Council’s approval of the 2025 budget is expected to face a “very close vote,” according to WGN9.
“It is vital that all City Council members are given the opportunity to debate this issue and cast their vote in order to represent all of our diverse communities,” the alderman stated.
