Cook County Board Committee Meetings

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings 
May 24, 2023

Veteran’s Affairs Committee

• Chair Morita and the Veteran’s Committee heard testimony related to the new Veterans Affairs of Cook County Commission. Two veterans described the challenges when they attempted to access services. First, Cook County did not initially have VSO’s (Veteran Service Officers) to facilitate the cases presented. Secondly, budgeting was far from adequate. For example, Lake County, which has many fewer veterans, was receiving $5 million while Cook County, with the largest veteran population, had a budget of $1 million. 
• Director Love from the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs testified that they were well aware of these problems and that there has been one VSO hired with three more to come. She stated that they were aware of the need for satellite offices, so that veterans could more easily make use of the services. With the new ordinance, employees of the VACCC will have the same benefits as other Cook County employees. In addition, the director will be able to speak directly about the agency, rather than going through the CC Department of Veterans Affairs. The ordinance was approved that would enable the VACCC to operate independently, now that the IGA is no longer in effect.

​Finance Committee

• The Cook County Comptroller reported that the general fund was +$115 million and that the CC Health Fund had a favorable balance of $22 million. Receivables from the State were $314 million for Medicare and AOIC. 
• Commissioner Sean Morrison asked how much is the State of Illinois in arrears to Cook County. The comptroller replied that items such as grants are historically slow. However, State medicaid payments are less than one month. Commissioner Morrison expressed concern that the State might be “sitting on our money.” Comptroller said that they had no mechanism to track how grants move through the system. 
• A spokesperson for Cook County Health stated that they had no concerns about the State. She said they were currently working to find funding for the recent influx in immigrants from the border. 
• All items for approval passed unanimously and a final vote will occur at the Cook County Board Meeting.

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Transportation Committee: 

• Agenda Item 23-0342- A Motion was put forward to receive and file the Cook County Bicycle Plan, whose goal is to advance the bicycle infrastructure in the county. One goal is to connect existing gaps between the county and the Forest Preserve system. Commissioner Trevor suggested that there are some suburbs that need to remove physical barriers that inhibit free flow of bicycles. Motion was approved on a voice vote.

Technology & Innovation Committee

• Joe Gallo, former mayor of Rolling Meadows, spoke in support of the Illinois Smart City & Region Association. This organization helps to create a roadmap for digital transformation. He would like to see the ISCRA work closely with municipalities to improve services. Commissioner Britton echoed his approval, stating that the association saves money and is needed to improve service to citizens throughout the county. Commissioner Trevor asked for concrete examples of the association’s work. Gallo said that one example would be the impact on First Responders. Innovative ideas contribute to enhancing public safety and to reducing crimes. A commissioner whose district lies within the city of Chicago asked if the association was working with the city. He said no. Chicago is a different sort of challenge on a scale that the ISCRA would find hard to meet. However, it would certainly be possible for neighborhoods to become involved. 
• All motions put before the committee were approved unanimously by a voice vote and final vote will be at the Cook county Board meeting.

​Observer: Georgia Gebhardt