Chicago Mayor Lightfoot's $12.5 million giveaway of gas cards with her name blasted as re-election 'gimmick'

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The Chicago City Council approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposal to give $12.5 million worth of gasoline and transit cards to city residents, with taxpayers funding the plan.

The plan, titled "Chicago Moves," was approved by the Chicago City Council by a vote of 26-23 on Wednesday.

As part of the plan, the city will hand out 50,000 gas cards that are worth up to $150, as well as 100,000 public transportation cards for the city's transit system that are worth up to $50 each, according to Fox 32 Chicago. To be eligible for the plan, a couple can earn up to $75,000, and a family of four who makes $93,000 per year.

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot presides over a City Council meeting on Oct. 27, 2021, in Chicago.  (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Over 75% of the giveaways would benefit people in minority neighborhoods who are facing "mobility hardship," according to the report.

There will be a citywide lottery for the remaining 25%, which will be distributed "in equal portions to each ward," according to officials.

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The mayor's name is displayed on the proposed design of the prepaid Mastercard.

The mayor's name will be displayed on the proposed design of the prepaid Mastercard. (City of Chicago)

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Lightfoot's plan hasn't won the approval of some City Council members, and one person says that the gas cards are being uses by the mayor as a "promotional gimmick for a re-election campaign."

"What's more important? A senior that doesn't have heat or to give out free gas cards as a promotional gimmick for a re-election campaign?," Alderman Anthony Beale said.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas said during an interview with WTTW that the mayor's name should not be on the card.

"I don’t think that’s a good look," Villegas said.