Cook County Board Creates Loan Program for Municipalities

Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee and Board Meetings
​July 27, 28, 2022

Finance Committee   July 27, 2022

• The Commissioners recommended for approval an  ordinance  that authorizes the County to give loans to local government entities that are impacted by the expected late property tax bill issuance and collection.   The plan would set aside up to $ 500 million, but initially $300 million will be distributed.    The loans would go to municipalities that have credit ratings less than the County’s and would have difficulty going to the public for credit.  It would be for 0% rate.  It will cost the County $5 million.   The Commissioners had met previously with members of the Finance group and so there was little discussion.  (Item 22-3521)   The ordinance was approved in the Board Meeting.
• Commissioner Suffredin moved to defer the proposed Elected Official Compensation Review Ordinance. This would require periodic review of the compensation of elected officials.  The Commissioners are waiting on a fiscal note from the Department of Finance.  The League of Women Voters of Cook County  (LWVCC) supported this ordinance, and their letter was entered into the record.  (Item 22-3931)  

Health and Hospitals Committee  July 27, 2022

• The monthly report on the status of COVID was deferred.  The Commissioners asked for an update on Monkeypox as well as COVID. Mr. Rocha, Cook County Health (CCH) CEO said that 70% of the current COVID cases are the new sub-variants BA4 and BA5.  The CCH is recommending that everyone gets the booster shots and wear masks when in close contact of others.  There are 5 community centers in suburban Cook County where residents can get vaccines or treatment.  Over 1 million vaccinations have been given.  Vaccination rates for children are low, for children under 5 less than 15%.   Parents are reluctant to have their child vaccinated.  ( Item 21-0541)  
• The Commissioners asked for an update on Monkeypox as some of them have gotten reports of residents not being able to get vaccinations.  Dr. Hasberg reported that it is now called MPV.   The CCH is following the CDC’s recommendations. The CCH has launched an education campaign to health providers and have updated their website with information.  They are doing testing and providing vaccinations.  They are also doing contact tracing. There have been 19 confirmed cases in Cook County.  People who have had close contact with a confirmed case can get vaccinated now.   150 have been given.  They have just started vaccinating people in high- risk groups, but who did not have  known contact.   They anticipate getting more vaccinations in the fall and then will ramp up the vaccinations to that demographic.  At the Board meeting a resolution was approved to have a meeting with CCH specifically on MPV. (Item 22-4699)
• The Commissioners approved the quarterly report from CCH.  Dr. Ruben reported on the contact tracing program for Covid.    In order to reach communities that had low vaccination rates and reluctance to participate in contact tracing, the CCH developed a network of community- based organizations to engage people.     They anticipate that they will use the same network in their efforts for equity, trying to encourage residents to use medical resources for chronic diseases. (Item 22-1354)
• The semi- annual report on healthcare disparities was received and filed.  Mr. Rocha outlined CCH’s plan to reduce healthcare disparities in minority areas.  He cited the primary issues of poverty and lack of health insurance in the South and Near West side communities.  They have awarded grants to community groups to work on such issues as worker protections, lead poison prevention, connecting people to resources, and improved public transportation.  The other major issue they want to investigate is why some people don’t utilize the medical system even when it is easily accessible. (Item 22-3674)
• Commissioner Miller asked that going forward, she would like to see specific data for outcomes for minorities in the 11 strategic communities cited in the 2025 Strategic Plan.  She also wanted to see data for minorities that do not live in underserved communities. 

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting July 28, 2022

• Several Commissioners spoke in support of the resolution for the Cook County Board to call on the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress to prohibit the sale of assault style weapons.  The resolution was approved.  (Item22-4305)
• The proposed County Commissioner vacancy in office ordinance amendments were referred to the Legislation Committee. This provides that a vacancy should be filled by appointment by a political committee unless the vacancy is for more than 28 months and then it should be filled at the next general election.   LWVCC is in support of this amendment.  (Items 22-4661, 22-4662)
• The resolution to hold a hearing on the risks of data sharing with ICE was approved.  The object is to determine if County government data regarding residents is available to private data brokers. The Committee will also discuss the best practices for protecting the rights of all Cook County residents. (Item 22-2815)
• Several collective bargaining agreements with Cook County employees were approved.  During the public speakers’ time, nurses from the CCH system spoke in favor of approval.  
• Several more ARPA grants were awarded including funds for the Forest Preserve.

Observed by Kathi Graffam