Youth in Juvenile Temporary Detention Center complete skilled trades training

Eleven students graduated as part of the Cook County Facilities Management Pre-Apprentice Program, which introduces residents of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) to skilled trades and career opportunities. 

I applaud last week’s Cook County Circuit Court ruling that upholds the County’s Firearm and Ammunition Tax, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners in November, 2015.  The ruling by Circuit Court Judge David B. Atkins granting the County’s motion for summary judgment in the case of Guns Save Life v. Ali upholds our position that the taxes are proper exercise of the County’s Home Rule powers and do not in any meaningful way impede an individual’s ability to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that the County and Forest Preserve District will require employees to log contacts from elected officials regarding certain employment actions. President Preckwinkle was joined by Inspector General Patrick Blanchard, Cook County Shakman Compliance Administrator Mary Robinson, and Cook County Forest Preserve District Shakman Compliance Administrator Jan Carlsson.

The Cook County Medical Examiner Maps and Data Portal today received the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) Exemplary System recognition. The portal provides up-to-date information about deaths in Cook County, including those caused by gun violence and the opioid epidemic.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle hailed a U.S. District Court ruling upholding the County’s ordinance banning specific types of assault weapons.

U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah last week granted the County’s motion to dismiss a challenge to its assault weapons ban filed by plaintiffs Matthew D. Wilson and Troy Edhlund.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Cook County Department of Budget and Management Services its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today recognized hundreds of Vietnam War-era veterans for their sacrifice and service to the nation as part of the national Vietnam War Commemoration program. She was joined at the event by Commissioner Jeff Tobolski (16th), Chairman of the County Board’s Veterans Committee, and representatives of organizations for veterans. 

The veterans gathered at Chicago Botanic Garden and were saluted for their service in wartime. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioners today recognized 42 military veterans for their sacrifice and service to nation under the annual Silver Star Service Banner program. 

The veterans were saluted for their service in wartime during the Board meeting. To be eligible for the Silver Star Service Banner program, a veteran must have been wounded or become ill while serving in a war zone. The veterans honored served in conflicts ranging from World War II to Afghanistan. 

Participants learned highly recognizable, transferable skills

Thanks to a partnership between the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Housing Authority of Cook County, 84 youth came together to celebrate the completion of the five-week Forest Preserves Experience paid summer internship. During the internship, participants learned basic job skills they can use in the future along while experiencing environmental education activities and exposure to conservation-related careers. 

 County investments leverage federal and state funds to advance priority projects.

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) has selected 34 projects as part of Cook County’s annual Invest in Cook grant program.

The County’s investment of $7 million leverages an additional $26.8 million in federal, state and local funds. The commitment of County transportation resources will enable $33.8 million in project activity across all phases to get under way in the coming year.