Each local pension system is unique and there is no “one-size fits all” approach to pension reform. A number of aspects of today’s decision re-affirm our view that the legislation introduced last year to reform the pension fund for Cook County employees and retirees is constitutionally sound. First and foremost, our proposed reform legislation is not based on the “police powers” argument or the other arguments put forth in defense of Senate Bill 1.

 Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that a new life insurance contract, approved by the County Board at its meeting today, is expected to yield more than $1 million in savings annually.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today released the preliminary forecast for the County's Fiscal 2016 budget, cautioning that difficult financial choices will face County decision-makers as the development of a budget proceeds over the next several months.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Roper. Jerry was one of Chicago’s great civic and business leaders. In his two decades at the helm of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, he transformed the organization into one of the most widely respected independent business groups in the nation. Jerry was an incredible salesman for our city and our region, not only locally, but throughout the world, and he leaves a tremendous legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

Today is a proud day for our nation and an incredible victory for all those who have fought so hard for this recognition over the years. As a history teacher by profession, I applaud this latest milestone in our nation's long struggle to ensure civil rights for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or immigration status. For too long in this country, same-sex couples were denied equal protection under the law.

We appreciate that the Governor has expressed a willingness to support pension reform for Cook County and look forward to working with him and the legislative leaders in passing a bill that meets Cook County’s pension needs. However, given the current degree of uncertainty in Springfield, until the General Assembly actually passes a bill and the Governor signs it, we will continue move forward with our plans to stabilize Cook County’s pension fund.

I applaud today’s Supreme Court ruling on King v. Burwell.

President Obama’s Affordable Care Act has been a godsend to those of us in the public health business. Thanks to the ACA, we are moving toward long-term financial sustainability for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. More than 180,000 patients are now enrolled in CountyCare, the County’s managed Medicaid plan, greatly exceeding our 2015 enrollment goal of 156,000. Now, for the first time in its history, our health system has more insured patients than uninsured patients.

Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Executive Director Michael Masters joined leaders from around the country to participate in Multi-Faith Crisis Management Workshop in Boston today.