Chicago alderman pushes to legalize city's food carts

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There are thousands of illegal food carts in the city of Chicago, but a city alderman wants to change that.

"They want to do the right thing. And they want to contribute tax-wise to the city of Chicago," said Ald. Roberto Maldonado, 26th Ward.

Food cart owners joined Ald. Maldonado as he introduced a measure to legalize the carts. There are nearly 2,000 illegal carts in the city.

A lift of the ban would mean at least $2 million in new tax revenues.

The measure received preliminary approval Wednesday. A full council vote is expected September 24.