Preckwinkle applauds actions to create, retain jobs in region

Cook County commissioners today approved proposals by President Toni Preckwinkle’s Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to business in four suburban communities, as well as retain and create jobs. 

Four separate Incentives were approved in the following communities:  Bellwood, Dolton, Lynwood and Niles.  These incentives should yield creation of an estimated 44 new jobs, retain an estimated 162 jobs and support approximately 45 construction jobs. 

Legislation to ease and expand the expungement of juvenile arrest records was announced today by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, and state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Orland Hills.

The Youth Opportunity and Fairness Act (HB 3817/SB 2021) would combat unlawful and overly broad sharing of juvenile records in Illinois and bring the state’s current law in line with the ABA’s model guidelines on such records.

To mark Women’s History Month, the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues today honored 18 women for their contributions in making their communities better places to live. 

As members of Congress returned to their home districts this week during recess they were confronted with tough questions about what their plans are to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that provides affordable healthcare to millions of Americans.  Although the House Republicans have voted over 60 times to eliminate the ACA, or “Obamacare”, the GOP has yet to release comprehensive legislation of what the “replacement” should be. 

The canine flu has re-emerged this year, and Cook County Animal and Rabies Control is advising pet owners to vaccinate their dogs in order to protect them from the disease.

Some animal shelters and veterinarians in Cook County have reported dogs infected with the canine influenza virus, said Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of Cook County Animal and Rabies Control.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office today published the County’s first-ever digital annual report, Cook County at a Glance 2016. The interactive e-report highlights the year’s projects and achievements and can be accessed on-line. 

At a Glance 2016 focuses on four key policy and operational areas that showed great progress in 2016: public health, public safety, economic development and the Forest Preserves. It is the first time the County has specifically developed a digital annual report in addition to a print product.

New program encourages investments that support the County’s priorities

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is seeking applications for transportation-related projects throughout Cook County as part of the President Toni Preckwinkle’s initiative to build and maintain a comprehensive regional transportation network.

Cook County Commissioners today approved seven proposals from President Toni Preckwinkle's Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to businesses in Cook County.

The incentives, which will either create new or save existing jobs, were approved in the following communities:  Chicago, Elk Grove Village, Lansing, Oak Forest, Schaumburg, Schiller Park, and Summit.

New report shows 22 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

For the third year in a row, Cook County has exceeded its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction goals, the County’s Annual Sustainability Report shows.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle named John Keller, who has served as her Director of External Affairs, as her new Chief Staff, effective immediately.

In his new role, Keller will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the work of all Offices Under the President, as well as the President’s senior staff, and collaborating with separately elected officials throughout the County, City and State.