November 17, 2009
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Jessey Neves (562) 453-6342
Today, the Cook County Board successfully voted to roll back half of the one percent sales tax increase. "I commend the work of the County Commissioners. This rollback is an important part of the real, responsible reform that Cook County needs," stated Alderman Preckwinkle. "The sales tax has been devastating to working families and businesses throughout the County. The outer edges of Cook County have especially felt the impact of the sales tax increase because it has driven shoppers and businesses to our neighboring counties."
Candidate for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has been vocal in her support of a full repeal of the sales tax increase. "The sales tax should be rolled back in conjunction with implementing responsible spending practices, eliminating wasteful programs and ensuring that the County fully captures its income. We must be diligent in our efforts to ensure that we can roll back the remaining portion of the sales tax increase and continue to develop the County's economy."
In current economic conditions, it will take true leadership to both stabilize and grow Cook County's economy. "Cook County is currently operating with an unemployment rate of 11.6 percent. We must fight to improve the County's economy, not only by fully repealing the sales tax increase but also by assessing arenas of economic development, prioritizing job training programs and allocating additional funds for new, growing sectors such as 'green collar' businesses and jobs," stated Preckwinkle.