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.

Preckwinkle applauds actions to create, retain jobs in region

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

A total of eight tax Incentives were approved in the following communities: Bedford Park (two), Bellwood, Bridgeview, Calumet City, Elk Grove Village, Franklin Park and Homewood. 

Public safety focus continues as a key priority for Preckwinkle administration

Cook County commissioners today approved grants equaling almost $1.1 million for locally based programs dedicated to anti-violence strategies.

The grants, administered by the County’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC), are a cornerstone of President Toni Preckwinkle’s commitment to community-based programs that combat violence. The awards follow a robust vetting through a Request for Proposals process. 

County’s animal control administrator urges caution as temperatures plummet

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control has issued an alert to pet owners to take extra precautions with their household pets due to the early-winter Arctic cold snap we are now experiencing.
With temperatures dipping not just below the freezing mark but expected to bottom out below zero by the weekend, Dr. Donna Alexander, Animal and Rabies Control Administrator, cautioned that dog owners in particular need to take additional care to ensure the safety of their pets.