Local labor unions said Cook County commissioners’ vote to repeal part of the county’s sales tax will “decimate jobs and services to residents.”
Representatives from 10 unions attended yesterday's meeting, during which commissioners voted to cut the tax.
The unions expressed fears about massive layoffs due to the $32 million budget gap the rollback would cause in 2010. It is projected to rip a $188 million hole in the 2011 budget.
"As the representatives of millions of hardworking men and women, Cook County Commissioners have an obligation to protect the welfare of Cook County residents without destroying the framework of their well-being," said John T. Coli, president of Teamsters Joint Council 25, in a statement. "Unfortunately, it's easier for these politicians to roll back the county sales tax and cripple citizen resources than it is to seek out a sound budgetary solution."
Commissioners voted 12-5 to repeal half of last year’s one percent sales tax, which increased the county’s tax to 1.75 percent, the nation’s highest. County Board President Todd Stroger said he will veto the rollback, though commissioners likely have the muscle to override that veto when it comes.
The unions echoed Stroger’s concern, and that of commissioners who voted to keep the sales tax, that vital services, including health care, would be hurt by the repeal.
"At a pivotal moment for our national and local economies, when residents statewide are looking for their leaders to make conscientious financial decisions, opting to widen the county's budget cap is a monumental mistake," said Coli. "Working families must not be placed into jeopardy so a handful of county commissioners can score cheap political points."