The boom, crackle and pop of Fourth of July fireworks as well as other outdoor elements can present potential hazards for pets. To ensure pets remain safe and healthy during the weekend festivities, Cook County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control recommends pet owners take the following precautions. 

Fireworks

Majority of Abolishment Attributed to Cook County Medical Debt Relief Initiative, Providing $80 Million in Relief for over 44,000 Residents 

(MAYWOOD, IL) – Loyola Medicine, Undue Medical Debt, a national non-profit, and Cook County’s Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), have reached an agreement that will result in the erasure of $112.12 million worth of non-Medicare/Medicaid medical debt for Loyola's patients in 2024.  

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has honored Cook County with 54 achievement awards recognizing innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

“These awards acknowledge the initiatives we have undertaken to ensure that our residents receive vital services and have the opportunity to thrive in our community,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This record number of awards recognizes our dedicated County employees who launch these critical programs and uplifts Cook County as a national leader.”

Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) invites residents to participate in its 2024 environmental justice survey, which will aid in the creation of a countywide environmental justice policy. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy can help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across the Offices Under the President. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced $20 million in funding for the Stormwater Management Project Implementation Program at a press conference this afternoon. The initiative is led by the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). Funding for the program is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will advance 26 stormwater management projects throughout the County, with a focus on supporting under-resourced communities. 

Second Installment Bills Due August 1, 2024, for First Time Since COVID-19 Pandemic

Cook County property tax officials announced today that second installment property tax bills for Tax Year 2023 will be available to property owners by July 2, 2024. Nearly 1.8 million tax bills will be accessible online and mailed out in early July, with a due date of August 1, 2024.

Grant initiative provides capacity building funding to support the growth of organizations throughout Cook County

Cook County Government announced today that $790,000 in grants have been awarded to 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in suburban communities through the Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grants program. 

Cook County Arts is a $5 million pilot arts initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pilot focuses on mitigating the lingering negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the suburban arts sector in the long term. 

Highlights record-low hospital budget gap, strong fiscal position for FY2025

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today unveiled the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2025, showing a projected gap of $218.2 million – significantly reduced from the $409.6 million peak during the pandemic. The hospital system projects no deficits this coming fiscal year, marking the lowest gap of President Preckwinkle’s administration.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding this week for transportation-related projects for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These vital projects boost economic development, build up regional transportation and improve the quality of life throughout Cook County.