Last week the Cook County Board unanimously passed the 2022 budgets for Cook County and the Forest Preserve District.  Commissioner Suffredin's statements on both budgets below:

A “Yes” Vote For 2022 Cook County Budget

Good Financial Management and Federal Assistance Saves the Budget

On November 18, 2021, I voted “Yes” for President Toni Preckwinkle’s $8 Billion 2022 Cook County budget which did not raise taxes, maintains a rainy-day fund; took advantage of good management to cover all essential services; and wisely budgeted CARES and ARPA funding from the Federal Government. This budget grew by just over $1 billion from last year because of expansion of our County Care Health Program during the pandemic and the receipt of Federal funding.

The County has received $1 billion of ARPA funding that will be divided over three budget years with each budget having $333 million. In this budget $100 million is used to cover for lost tax revenues from various sources during the pandemic. $233 million has been appropriated to cover programs to be identified in the future in the following areas: economic development, mental health services, violence prevention, housing, workforce development and criminal justice reform.

In this COVID period, extraordinary management is necessary to lead a government Cook County’s size. Of all the large governments in Illinois Cook County is in the best position to survive in this pandemic world because of its fiscal management.

The budget continues our funding of additional pension payments which has stabilized our Cook County bond ratings and given us the best funded and most stable large public pension fund in the State.

For the fourth year there are no home rule tax increases included in this budget. Cook County has not raised Property Taxes since 1994. This budget was crafted to maximize services and protect taxpayers from unfair taxation. It is also the result of serious budgeting decisions that have been made over the last 5 years that focused on cost savings.

The Cook County Health and Hospital System’s budget allows it to respond to the pandemic and changing patient needs. Israel Rocha became the President and CEO of our Health Care System a year ago. His leadership and that of the Independent Board has shaped the Health Care budget to ensure quality services.

This budget allows the Cook County Chief Circuit Judge Timothy Evans to expand Domestic Violence Court services to give greater protection to victims. In addition, we have increased juror fees and expanded appointments of lawyers for indigent people.

There are additional changes to the Budget Resolution that will expand the County Board’s flexibility to appropriate any additional financial relief the Federal Government may give us during the coming year. We will be able to prioritize the spending of these added resources and thus eliminate the need for any future tax increases.

Overall, this is a quality budget that shows good planning and accountability is essential to good government. 

“Roadmap for Spending County ARPA Funds”

COVID19

Vaccination Virtual Town Hall 

On February 2, there was a virtual Town Hall Meeting on the vaccine. To watch this event click here. To read the frequently asked questions from the event click here. To view the slides from the event click here. 

Individuals can still make appointments at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or by calling 833-308-1988, Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Visit cookcountyhealth.org/covid19-vaccine-sites/ for updated hours of operation.

Vaccine Information