Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings May 20, 2015

Several important proposals were discussed and acted upon beginning at 9:15 am.  These include the following:
 

Workforce, Housing and Community Development Committee

15-2578 -  proposed that Cook County apprenticeships will provide earned credit to

                 contractors who establish apprenticeship positions with the goal of

                 of preparing for “jobs of tomorrow."   Passed

15-3088 -  proposed by Com. Gainer – This proposed Human Rights Ordinance is

                  to remove barriers to employment – like credit score, foreclosures, medical

                  debt – which may result in employers discriminating against job applicants.

                  This would help to reduce impediments to employment.  Discussed at

                  length with meaningful presentations by the Safer Foundation.

                  Moved to pass by Com Suffredin, seconded by Com. Boykin  Passed

Legislative & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

15-3022   Proposed Resolution to discuss supporting the Intermediate Service Centers of Cook County which provide the regional Safe School programs.  An extensive discussion of Intermediate Service Centers was held.  There are three Centers in Cook County – south, north and west.  They were established after the General Assembly abolished the Regional Superintendent’s Offices and did not identify sources to handle teacher licensure, certify school bus drivers and perform many other functions.  This year the Governor has eliminated the funding for the service centers, but their work must continue, and they are responsible for 143 school districts in Cook County.  The main role of the Centers is to provide alternative school programs for students who have been expelled from their local district, and these schools are the last chance for these students.  Of those students who do attend the alternative programs, 90-95% of them are ultimately transitioned back to their local school.   However, the funding for these programs has been completely eliminated from the State budget, and they may have to rely on their limited reserves.

Commissioner Suffredin made it clear that this resolution was to bring this serious problem to the Board in case continuation of these centers would need financial assistance.  Discussion among the Board members concerned the legal responsibility of the State and the lack of legal authority for the County to act.  However, it was agreed that these Centers provide many vital functions that must be continued.  The Resolution passed.

15-3027  This ordinance, proposed by Com. Boykin, bans Cook County Liquor

          Code License holders from the sale, offering, provision, furnishing,      

          bartering, exchange or gift of powdered alcohol in unincorporated Cook

          County.  Several states have already banned the product, including New

          York and Louisiana.  Illinois has not banned it but a bill has passed the

          House and is being considered in the Illinois Senate. A substitute bill was submitted 

          with technical changes.

          Com. Boykin moved to pass – one no vote by Com. Butler

15-3085     Amended the Cook County Ethics Ordinance to clarify the Cook

County Board of Ethics existing powers to impose fines for

Ordinance violations and to sue to enforce its determination.

This related to the fine imposed by the Board on the County

Assessor that was not upheld.  With changes made in this

Ordinance, the Board can now impose fines.

Submitted by Nancy Marcus & Syvia Tillman