UAW Local 974 member criticizes Peoria council for grocery tax on working families

During the Peoria City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, a heated discussion emerged surrounding the recently approved grocery tax, which has drawn sharp criticism from community members and activists. A representative from the United Auto Workers (UAW) local 974, speaking on behalf of Workers Strike Back, condemned the tax as a regressive measure that disproportionately impacts working-class families and low-income households, particularly in the context of rising food prices and a cost of living crisis.

The speaker highlighted that nearly half of Black families in Peoria rely on food assistance, with 40% living at or below the poverty line. They expressed concern that the grocery tax would exacerbate the financial struggles of these families, especially as tariffs are predicted to increase food costs significantly. The speaker emphasized that many working families are already facing challenges in affording basic groceries.

In response to the grocery tax, over 130 residents have reached out to Mayor Ali and the city council, urging them to reconsider the decision and instead focus on taxing the wealthy to fund essential services. The speaker criticized the council members, including Democrats and Republicans, for what they described as a failure to advocate for working people and for siding with big business interests.

The discussion also touched on broader issues, including the need for a more equitable tax system and the rejection of austerity measures that harm essential services. The speaker called for a grassroots movement to challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that support working families, drawing parallels to successful campaigns in other cities.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for community action was clear, with a call for residents to join the movement for change and to hold elected officials accountable in future elections. The implications of the grocery tax and the ongoing struggle for economic justice remain pressing concerns for the Peoria community.