Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting, March 15, 2011

The meeting began with Unsung Heroes and Heroines from each district.  The men and women were honored for their work  with people with disabilities, cancer patients, affordable housing, social services, Haitian Community ,etc.

The Finance Committee reported $24l,000 was spent for legal aid and services.  The Chicago Bar provides legal advice to foreclosed homeowners.  The Board requested a report on the money spent on providers.  The rollback of the sales tax had a negative effect.  It was hoped that sales, and thus sales tax collections, would be higher. The income from sales taxes was between $l3-l4 million dollars lower. The drop was blamed on the poor economy.

Provident Hospital and Oak Forest Hospital continue to operate under capacity.  Administrators must investigate if surrounding hospitals could absorb patients if the two hospitals were closed.  Follow up data will be forthcoming.  

A resolution was passed in support of civil unions and the sunset of domestic partnerships.  All fees will be the same.  

A request was made for the Technology Bureau to enter a contract with Gartner Inc. of Fort Meyers, Florida, for access to online research and consulting services.  

After the meeting, people were invited to contribute money for Japan before the lunch break.  

--submitted by Arline Doblin