I was made aware late yesterday of social media posts by Sharon Brannigan, a member of our Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. If these posts accurately reflect her views on diversity and inclusion, I believe she should step down from the Commission. Such viewpoints certainly do not reflect our values nor, in my opinion, the kind of representation we want on the Commission. Ms. Brannigan is the appointee of Commissioner Sean Morrison. I ask that Commissioner Morrison seek Ms. Brannigan’s immediate resignation.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today a partnership with leaders from Dane County, Wisconsin to join “We Are Still In,” a coalition of governmental and institutional leaders dedicated to keeping America’s promise of mitigating climate change by meeting the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Repeats commitment to three-year fiscal plan, raises concerns on ACA repeal 

Continuing her efforts to promote fiscal responsibility and encourage government transparency, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today released the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget that shows a gap of $97.6 million. This represents the lowest preliminary gap since President Preckwinkle took office in December 2010.  

I was surprised to learn today of County Clerk David Orr’s decision to not seek re-election. David has been a dedicated public servant for decades, both in the Chicago City Council and for the residents of Cook County. He has been a voice for progressive politics, accountability and transparency in government. I thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

I am saddened to learn of the death today of Commissioner Robert Steele.

Robert’s life was marked by his long career in public service for the residents of Chicago and Cook County. He took office as Cook County Commissioner of the 2nd District in 2006. 

His contributions to the board were many. He was President Pro-Tempore of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Forest Preserve District Board. He served as chairman of the Environmental Control Committee and the Contract Compliance Committee and as vice chairman of the Health and Hospitals Committee. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioners today recognized 40 military veterans for their sacrifice and service to nation under the annual Silver Star Service Banner program. 

President Preckwinkle created the County’s first-ever Department of Veterans Affairs in 2013. Among its tasks is to continue the tradition begun in 2008 of honoring Silver Star veterans at a Cook County Board meeting.

I am grateful for the bipartisan support given to our major legislative initiative this spring, reform of the process for expunging juvenile arrest records. I want to particularly thank Rep. Elaine Nekritz and Sen. Michael Hastings for sponsoring the bill in their respective chambers and helping steer them to passage. The Youth Opportunity and Fairness Act is an important step toward removing barriers from the paths of our most vulnerable youth as they try to build productive lives.

Elected Officials, Residents & Community Organizers Protest Cuts

(Skokie) – The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) today hosted a rally to preserve affordable housing programs and healthcare at the new Armond King Senior High Rise Apartment Building, rehabilitated with HOME Partnership financing.  

The Trump administration’s proposed budget confirms our worst fears. It goes well beyond the traditional budgets we have seen from conservative presidents; it is a mean-spirited, harmful fiscal plan that would impose lasting harm upon those who are the poorest and most vulnerable among us, not to mention damage public education, the environment, public health and the broader social safety network.

Cook County has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways’ innovative call for projects, called Invest in Cook. 

NACo President Bryan Desloge said, “Counties overcome complex challenges, provide essential services and constantly do more with less. We applaud these Achievement Award-winning counties for outstanding efforts to improve residents’ quality of life.”