@CHIdocumenters I’m watching remotely. It can be viewed live here: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/watch-live-board-proceedings

The county also has a budget website: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/Budget

The meeting gets going at 10:11. Some of the county board commissioners are attending remotely. Board President Toni Preckwinkle is there in person for the budget presentation.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle starts the budget presentation with some opening comments.
“It’s a time when we must fight against extremism and for democracy.”

“Today, extremism and the movement to dismantle democracy have taken hold at a dangerous level.”

Preckwinkle quoting Shirley Chisolm: “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”

Cook county FY23 budget will have the “lowest projected preliminary budget gap since I took office.”

“This budget is balanced.” No tax increases.

Cook county’s bond rating was upgraded.

County continues to improve pension funding ratio. On path to 100% pension funding by 2043.

Cook county is opening up applications for the largest guaranteed income pilot program in the country. Applications are open right now, starting today.
Apply at: https://www.engagecookcounty.com/promise

Cook county health system has given over 1 million COVID vaccinations. Now responding to monkeypox.

Provident scholarship program assists people from underrepresented communities pursue a career in health care.

Preckwinkle continues: CountyCare memberships grew exponentially during the pandemic. It’s the largest Medicaid managed care plan in Cook County.

Preckwinkle condemns fear-based misinformation against the SAFE-T Act.
“Now, more than ever, we must address the root causes of violence.”
https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/prisons-and-jails/2022/safe-t-act-purge-law-illinois-fact-check/

Raising climate change: “County facilities have reduced greenhouse gasses by 40%.” County is increasing use of renewables with goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The county is improving mass transit and addressing historic inequities.

Making investments in other infrastructure, such as water and sewer improvements.

Bureau of Technology is expanding broadband in south suburbs. Recently hired director of digital equity.

Preckwinkle thanks staff for their work on the budget. Commissioner Daley moves that the budget be moved to committees for discussion.

A public speaker recommends the budget be broken up and spending presented by district.

Another speaker says county board members should use Stroger Hospital services themselves. Wants term limits for the county board.

Commissioner Daley moves to adjourn. That concludes the budget presentation and my live tweeting for #ChiDocumenters.