Redistricting Committee of Cook County Board Approves New Commissioner District Map

Cook County Board of Commissioners
Committee Meetings - September 20 to 22, 2021

Note:  all items listed below as being approved by a Committee do not become effective until the Board approves them at the Board meeting to be held on September 23.  

Highlights of Meetings:

2020 Redistricting Committee (September 22):  

• The Committee approved the proposed map of Commissioner districts reflecting the 2020 Census numbers, which included a few minor changes made by the outside consultant from that which had been the subject of a public hearing on September 14.  At that meeting no one from the public appeared or objected to the map.  Item 21-5299.  
• Also approved was the proposed ordinance enacting the map.  One of the provisions of the ordinance makes clear that the existing Commissioners represent those who live in the existing districts, and that the new districts will be used for the 2022 elections and thereafter.
• The League of Women Voters of Cook County submitted a letter for the Board meeting on Sept. 23 expressing its concerns about the redistricting process.  At the request of Comm. Miller, the letter was read aloud for the record of this Committee meeting.   Among other things, the League reiterated its position that an independent commission should draw districts, rather than government officials who have a vested interest in the outcome. The League also urged that for the next redistricting in 10 years, the process begin with a blank slate, rather than starting from then existing districts, in order to better reflect communities of interest and the significant changes in population distribution in the County.

Finance Committee (September 22):

• The Comptroller reported that the General Fund has a favorable balance of $155 M over budget as a result of both higher revenues and lower expenses.  The Health Fund has an unfavorable balance of ($45 M) with higher than budgeted revenues of $175 M, but higher expenses of $220 M.  However, the Health Fund is also owed $117 M from the State.
• Andrea Gibson, who had been serving as interim Chief Business Officer and is newly appointed as the Chief Strategy Officer for Cook County Health, introduced the new Chief Financial Officer for Cook County Health.

Rules Committee (September 22):

• Approved a proposed amendment to the Board’s Rules to allow individual Commissioners to participate in a meeting remotely. Item 21-4422.
• Approved a proposed ordinance amendment to require that rules and regulations issued by county departments, agencies, and offices (“public facing rules”) be approved by the Rules Committee and then the Board.  Currently, while the Rules Committee reviews such public facing rules and can request changes, technically no approval is given and the Board simply “receives and files” such rules.  Item 21-4423.

Health & Hospitals Committee (September 20 Public Hearing):

• The Committee received quarterly reports and heard short presentations from the following regarding the services provided for mental health:  Chief Judge, Cook County Health, Cook County Public Health, Cermak Health (for inmates of the County Jail), the Sheriff, and the State’s Attorney.  Follow-up will be done as to the reports due from Veterans’ Assistance and the Public Defender.  
• To see the reports. look HERE under “Meeting Details”

Health & Hospitals Committee (September 21):

• Dr. Fagin stated that all Cook County Health (CCH) staff and all contractors who are on CCH facilities must be vaccinated for COVID by October 1.  As of August 23, everyone must wear masks indoors.
• As of Sept. 10, 65% of suburban Cook County residents have received at least one Covid shot and 53% are fully vaccinated.
• Kudos were given by Commissioners for the new commercials that CCH is airing encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Observer - Priscilla Mims