Unincorporated Cook County Task Force Recommendations
click here to read the Adobe Acrobat .pdf
Cook County Partners With League of Women Voters to Launch New Transparency Measures
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Commissioner Suffredin's Statement on the 2012 Cook County Budget
On December 1, 2011 the Cook County fiscal year begins. The 2012 budget that passed on November 18th guarantees that there are sufficient funds to provide health care, court services and other necessary services. The level of services will be reduced but there will be services. All governmental budgets are difficult in the current economy. This budget provides the best budget that could be negotiated.
The budget reflects the .25% reduction in the sales tax taking effect on January 1, 2012 that I had sponsored earlier this year.
To make this budget work there were many new taxes and fees. I opposed the Alcoholic Beverage Tax because it will cause loss of jobs in the hospitality industry. I also opposed an increase of 100% in the Wheel Tax on people living in unincorporated Cook County. I was able to amend the Parking Lot and Garage Tax to excluded parking owned by municipalities that is used for public transit and economic development purposes.
As an alternative to many of the new taxes and fees, I proposed an increase to the cigarette tax that would have generated $12 million in new revenue while continuing to make it harder for young new cigarette users to start. This was defeated. I also proposed taxing cigarette manufacturing machines that make cigarettes from loose tobacco and rolling paper in retail stores. This was defeated. I will continue to find ways to tax cigarettes.
The budget includes many amendments that I sponsored including those that gave the Board of Review the resources it needs to get the tax bills out on time for the first time in 34 years, restored funding for rape crisis counselors, victim witness advocates, jail mental health workers, a Juvenile Psychiatric Clinic and essential Assistant State’s Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders.
Unfortunately, the budget fires 750 employees who have provided necessary service. In this economy any lay off by any employer should be avoided if possible; but this was not done at the County. After years of cutting the unproductive but politically necessary jobs this budget now cuts the real workers who have faithfully served the people of Cook County. The loss of these workers will actually increase our costs as overtime pay will go up.
Many of the people who lost their jobs are the backbone of the offices where they worked. Losing key support personnel will cause delays in providing services especially in the court system.
Those losing their jobs are both non-union and union members. During the budget process it became clear that Cook County must bargain in better faith with its employees. Contracts whose details were negotiated within days of the budget being presented did not include any the provisions needed to implement the budget. This failure to raise these issues by the County in negotiation created an environment that will make future agreements difficult.
As this budget year begins please let me know about any service problems you may encounter with Cook County.
2012 Cook County Budget Hearings Scheduled
The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board of Commissioners has scheduled public hearings to garner public input on the 2012 Executive Budget.
For more information or to register to testify at one of the hearings, please click the following link.
www.cookcountygov.com/secretary
Forest Preserve District Budget & Hearing Schedule Released
The Finance Committee of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has released the 2012 Executive Budget and hearing schedule. To review the proposed budget, please click the following link:
http://fpdcc.com/about/resources/2012-budget-proposal
Hearing Schedule:
For more information or to register to testify at one of the hearings, please click the following link.
“The Power of a Mature Woman”
The following is the testimony of Audrey L. Thompson, City of Evanston Long Term Care Ombudsman, to the Cook County Commission on Women, October 20, 2011
To President Preckwinkle, Chairperson Montes, the County Commission on Women’s Issues’ Commissioners, and attendees, thank you so much for allowing me to speak with you today. I have pondered on the title of this Hearing for over a month. I’ve even had many sleepless nights regarding what notable contribution I could make to the discussion of how we as women can answer the challenges affecting our quality of life as we age. To do so, I asked myself, what defines a mature woman? While this definition does not come easy, we all know a mature woman when we see, talk and communicate with her. We know that there is a certain air about her that exudes power.
So, today, I say, a mature woman has P-O-W-E-R. This power can be defined in the letters that make up the word Power.
A mature woman is prepared. As the Regional Ombudsman for the City of Evanston, I am oftentimes saddened by family members who meet with me regarding long term care planning for their loved ones. These loved ones are no longer able to function at home independently and are not prepared for the inevitable. These loved ones do not have long term care insurance, money or even assets to liquefy in order to produce income that will allow them to be placed in what the family would consider a high rating facility. Many have to qualify for Medicaid, which limits their options. No one says, when I grow up, I want to live in a nursing home; maybe a retirement community, never a nursing home. Women, we must prepare for our futures. We are living longer and we must be prepared, not only with regards to where we will live but we must make sure our families know, in writing, our wishes should we face tragedy.
A mature woman is optimistic. When I was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, I was in the middle of planning a wedding, moving 1200 miles away from my home of 34 years and job of 17 years. I thought, no problem, I’m just using some of my maxed out sick time and the medical insurance I never used before starting my new life and new job. At the time, I thought, I could teach a class on optimism. However, looking back, I was prepared. Both of my parents are cancer survivors so I had previously taken out a supplemental cancer policy. I had life and health insurance and even ample sick leave to replace my income while I was recovering. Was I truly optimistic or prepared? It’s easier to see the glass as half full if you have something to put in that glass. I would say I was a little of both. I needed preparation and optimism.
A mature woman is a witness. Warren Buffet said “it’s easier to see through the rearview mirror than the windshield.” Hindsight is always 20/20. As a young woman, I challenge all of our more seasoned women to become mentors. I don’t necessarily mean to do so formally but to seek out some young woman to bestow some of your great wisdom upon. We need you to mentor us and let us know how you triumphed and yes, even how you survived some of the mistakes you made. For it is your triumphs and your failures that make you the mature woman you have become. I ask that you be our rearview mirror.
A mature woman is effective. Ladies, we are effective when we say what we mean and mean what we say. This means saying NO sometimes. We must be true to ourselves and we do so by taking care of ourselves. Many times, women are primary caregivers and we forget that in order to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves. If this means joining a support group for caregivers, getting mental health counseling or even getting a manicure or pedicure, please ladies, take care of YOU.
Finally, a mature woman is radical. I don’t mean this as a political term. The word, radical, sometimes has a negative connotation. However, a radical person is actually someone who holds or follows strong convictions or extreme principles; a person who advocates fundamental, political, economic and social reforms by direct and uncompromising methods. We must get involved to make a difference in not only our families’ lives but our communities. This means that we must be involved in forums such as this, even host and invite other women to come and glean from other “mature” and powerful women. We must vote; whatever our belief, we must grab hold to that belief and vote for the candidate that best fits that belief. We must attend City Council meetings, public hearings and town hall meetings in order to be actively involved in the change we want to see take place.
In conclusion, a woman who is prepared, optimistic, a witness, effective and radical, is powerful. We must use each of these characteristics to navigate through life’s challenges in order to live, survive and thrive. We will never be able to control every aspect of our lives but we can always do our best to control our reaction to whatever comes our way. I am Audrey Lorraine Thompson and I am a mature and powerful woman. Thank you again for your time.
Register to be an Organ & Tissue Donor
Cook County only has a 41% donor registration rate. Countless lives can be saved by registering to be an organ donor. Please consider joining the Illinois Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. Click here for more information and to register.
Contribute to Haitian Relief Efforts
The 13th District is home to one of the largest concentrations of Haitian Americans in the United States. As you know, a 7.0 magnitude has devastated the nation of Haiti and created a terrible humanitarian disaster. This disaster was followed by an outbreak of Cholera that is sweeping through much of the country.
Additional support is more important than ever. Click here for information on how to contribute to non-governmental organizations that are already on the ground in Haiti and have the ability to immediately deploy additional relief resources.
Suffredin statement on the Cook County Health and Hospitals System's application to discontinue in-patient care at Oak Forest Hospital
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment on the application of the Cook County Health and hospitals System (CCHHS) to discontinue the current in-patient facility with a very low average daily census; and replace it with a state of the art outpatient facility that would treat many more patients.
I am the elected Cook County Commissioner from the 13th District representing 320,000 residents of Cook County. Since my election in 2002, I have been very involved in the operation and management of CCHHS. I was the principal sponsor of the ordinance which created the current Independent Board. As Chair of the County Board's Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I have worked closely with CCHHS to navigate the fast changing federal and state laws and rules for running and financing health care.
The Strategic Planning Process was one of the most complete ever attempted by a public body. The process included many small and large meetings of stakeholders and a significant number of public hearings throughout the County. In addition, the Cook County Board conducted its own hearings independent of the CCHHS. The process led to the proposal before you which would allow us to better serve patients in an urgent/immediate care center at Oak Forest.
The current in-patient census is a very small portion of the Emergency Department visits and reflects the nature of the illnesses that are currently presented and require a different form of medical treatment.
The Cook County Board approved the Strategic Plain including the request currently before your Board. The plan was approved because we saw that precious resources were not being used to the maximum to ensure care to more people in the Southland and all of Cook County. This plan was developed to expand the number of patients and services that could be made available at Oak Forest by changing the delivery system.
The request before you is an opportunity to expand the services available and to improve the quality of services. For too long, this facility with its many building structures has had more buildings than actual in-patients on any given day.
The plan for redeployment of Oak Forest will bring in more patients who will see more efficient treatment. The Cook County Board has voted on a number of occasions to fully fund the CCHHS Strategic Plan. The resources to create a new model of health care delivery are now available.
To deny this request is to continue to limit the number of in-patients and to limit our ability to treat more patients by better use of public resources.
Forest Preserve District Capital Plan Open Houses
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (“FPDCC”) has begun the process of updated its 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (note: the plan is available for viewing at www.fpdcc.com/downloads/Final1-31-11.pdf). Potential projects include 1) repairing and constructing picnic shelters, trails, parking lots, restrooms, water/sewer lines and bridges; 2) landscape restoration; 3) new signage throughout the district; replacing outdated mechanical systems at six locations; and/or 4) building or repairing numerous FPDCC buildings and camps.
The FPDCC is committed to receiving public input into the planning process. The FPDCC will be conducting a series of open houses this fall to receive comments. The first of those open houses was held on August 10, 2011. The public was invited to attend and discuss ideas with FPDCC staff members. It was revealed that 25-30 buildings within the FPDCC’s camps and Nature Centers need substantial repairs and the FPDCC will be advertising for proposals to study that problem in the fall. Another staff member discussed the FPDCC’s study of the benefits of privatization versus allowing the FPDCC to manage its facilities. Finally, my staff reported the results of our recent survey of picnic permit holders and the concerns of many constituents.
Please take the time to review the FPDCC’s 2011-2015 capital plan and to attend an upcoming open house. Your input is especially vital to this effort since you are intimately aware with the FPDCC. You can also submit comments online at www.fpdcc.com/about/comment-corner.
Suffredin statement on passage of FY11 Cook County Budget
Cook County finally has a budget that meets the needs of its citizens. After years of mismanagement and insider- dealing in the Office of the President of the Cook County Board, we finally have a President who shows up everyday prepared to meet the public’s needs.
This budget corrects the unfairness of our tax structure and reduces our reliance on the sales tax. It streamlines the delivery of services while still guaranteeing essential services are readily available.
The 2011 budget is not just a feel good document because it calls for restructuring and elimination of many County functions: over 700 layoffs, significant salary reductions for many County workers and much shared pain as we continue to restructure the County Government.
It shows the cooperative atmosphere currently existing in County Government, whether it is through the strategic planning of the Independent Health Board or innovative technological ideas presented by County employees.
Hopefully, President Toni Preckwinkle’s first budget will be her hardest. In less than 90 days after taking office she was required to put into action a budget that addressed the abuses of the past. With the Cook County Board she was able to craft a budget plan that will restore confidence in County government. The passage of the budget with a unanimous vote for the first time in over 15 years is a positive sign for the future.
Although there is much reformative work still to be done, the Cook County Board showed independence and openness to new ideas through the over 35 amendments passed to perfect this budget.
It is now clearer that Cook County can function without becoming the punch line of a joke.
Click here for more information on the Cook County Budget.
Suffredin statement on Oak Forest Hospital Certificate of Need
As part of its Strategic Plan, the Cook County Health and Hospitals System has applied to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to discontinue inpatient services at the current 213 bed Oak Forest Hospital, in order to convert the facility into an urgent care center that will serve many more patients than the current 60 daily patients.
Click here to read the statement Commissioner Suffredin submitted to the state board in support of the System's application. View President Preckwinkle's statement on the denial by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Board to the County's application here.
Commissioner Suffredin statement on Inspector General Investigation of Cermak Aquatic Center
I am disappointed by the behavior of Forest Preserve District employees. I expect these employees to be fired and charged with criminal offenses. Parents need to know that our facilities are safe places for children to play.
The action of the Inspector General shows that our oversight system works. I have confidence in the new management team at the FPD and I am sure that this type of behavior will not happen again.
Click here to read the Inspector General's report.
President Preckwinkle's 100-Day Report
I am pleased to offer President Toni Preckwinkle's Cook County 100-day report card.
The Civic Federation issued its County Modernization 100-Day Accountability Report, which you can view here.
FY2011 Forest Preserve Budget released
On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, President Toni Preckwinkle released her FY2011 Forest Preserve District Budget Executive Recommendation. Public Hearings will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at 6pm at the Fourth District Courthouse, 1500 S. Maybrook Drive, Maywood, and on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 2pm at the County Building, 118 N Clark St., Room 569, Chicago.
Click here for more information regarding the President's Executive Recommendation.
Commissioner Suffredin leads the way on sales tax repeal
The People of Cook County finally got sales tax relief! After four tries and a change in State law lowering the number of votes necessary to override a veto, the Cook County Board was able to override President Todd Stroger’s veto of a .50% reduction of the sales tax. The rate now for Cook County will be below 10% - a barrier that cost Cook County sales revenue and retail jobs. Thank you for your help in passing this repeal.
Yellow Line Extension to Old Orchard Road
The CTA is considering proposals to extend the Yellow Line from Dempster Street to Old Orchard Road. The scoping report summarizing the public's participation and comments thus far is available for viewing on the CTA's website.
Foreclosure Mediation Program
Following the lead of the County Board in approving a Mortgage Mediation and Outreach Program, the Circuit Court of Cook County issued an Order signed by Judge Dorothy Kinnaird to implement the program, which will provide free assistance to Cook County homeowners facing foreclosure. Homeowners who received a foreclosure summons should call the toll-free help line at (877) 895-2444.
www.cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org
More information on the program is available here.
Click here for the press release from Chief Judge Timothy Evans regarding the program.
Click here for a sample foreclosure summons.
Click here for a list of IHDA housing agencies.
President Toni Preckwinkle Transition Report
I am happy to present President Toni Preckwinkle's Transition Report. Download the report here.
Have old computer equipment?
PC Rebuilders and Recyclers refurbishes donated computer systems and provides them to schools, non-profit organizations and families of at-risk children. Any unusable components are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. For more information, including drop-off hours and locations, go to www.pcrr.com.
Civic Federation Reports on Cook County
The Civic Federation has studied various aspects of Cook County government. I am pleased to offer their latest report on the Cook County Property Tax System here. More research on County issues can be found here.
North Shore Mosquito Abatement District
I am pleased to offer the 2009 Annual Report for the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. Past years' reports can be found on the District's website.
David Orr announces “Cook County Genealogy Online”
David Orr announces the launch of www.cookcountygenealogy.com, an online index and purchasing platform for Cook County Genealogy records.Genealogy records are defined as birth certificates older then 75 years, marriage licenses older than 50 years, or death certificates older than 20 years.These are all public records.
In its first two weeks, the 6,200 people from over 40 countries registered to use the site.
Questions about paying your property tax, your property tax refund, or exemptions?
Get answers at the Cook County Treasurer’s website.
Veterans Benefits Resolution
The County Board passed a resolution authorizing a referendum to be placed on the February 5, 2008 primary election ballot. As a co-sponsor of this measure, I believe that an affirmative vote on this referendum will show a strong show of support for our Veterans and our troops.
Read resolution
Evanston Legislators call upon residents to help combat domestic violence by recycling old cell phones
Are you getting a new phone this holiday season? U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Jeff Schoenberg, State Representative Robyn Gabel, and Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin encourage you to donate your old cell phones to help combat domestic violence.
Used wireless phones can be dropped off at the Evanston Legislative Offices during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, located at 820 Davis St., 1st Floor, Evanston, IL 60201.
More information
Online Legislative Library Launched
I am pleased to announce the launch of a new, comprehensive Cook County and Forest Preserve District legislative library accessible on this website.
www.suffredin.org/legislativelibrary
The library is the first of its kind for Cook County government and includes all ordinances passed or proposed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners and Forest Preserve District of Cook County since I took office in December 2002. My office will be working to ensure that this library is continuously updated.
