"The Committee on Finance is poised to allow increased speeds near schools and parks citywide. I urge members of the City Council to vote no on this dangerous ordinance, which is being pushed by Aldermen Beale, Burke, and Lopez. At a time when we have seen a 15% increase in traffic fatalities over two years, including 174 deaths in 2021 alone, it is unconscionable that any City Council member would consider voting to allow for increased speeds near spaces utilized by our children.

By law, the revenue generated from these violations is used to fund public safety efforts, infrastructure improvements, and safe passage workers near parks and schools. Passage of this ordinance would mean cutting these vital programs by nearly 45 million dollars. I urge all residents to call their alderman and tell them to vote no. We are all responsible for protecting our children, pedestrians, and bikers. It's a matter of life and death — people need to slow down."