Cook County Board commissioners yesterday shelved an ordinance that would eliminate the remaning half percent of the sales tax hike, calling it a political ploy designed to rally voters before next week's primary elections.
Republican Commissioner Tony Peraica introduced the ordinance, which would require the remainder of the penny-on-the-dollar increase to expire Oct. 1.
But Democrat Commissioner Larry Suffredin said moving so quickly to roll back the tax would hurt county residents.
“We can’t play with our taxpayers,” he said. “This is a stunt before the election.”
Peraica countered, saying Suffredin and others were trying “to stymie the will of the people of Cook County who have told us again and again that they want us to roll back this sales tax.”
He explained that working people and the poor are affected most by the sales tax, the nation’s highest.
"In the African-American community, it's probably 40, 50 percent unemployment, among males in particular. This is not the way to help them. The way to help those folks is to let them keep their money in their pockets," he said, clarifying that he meant all county residents.
Commissioner Deborah Sims took exception, calling it a racist statement.
“You know, I'm offended. Those folks? If that isn't the most racist statement I've ever heard in this board," she said.
"I'm not a person (that) calls people names, but you are the worst person I think I’ve ever seen,” she told Peraica.
Peraica was upset at Sims’ attacks.
“Pulling out the race card is even more outrageous. This is outrageous!” he shouted before leaving the boardroom.
Commissioners, in a roll call vote, voted to send the measure to the finance committee. The 11-6 vote was split along party lines, with Democrat Forrest Claypool joining the five Republicans who wanted to keep the measure alive on the floor.
However, Suffredin said there’s a good chance commissioners could agree to eliminate the remaining sales tax by July 1, when the initial reduction is set to take place.
Commissioners spar over insurance coverage
Think your insurance premiums are high? Cook County is playing the world’s smallest violin, thank you very much.
Commissioners voted Tuesday to extend the county’s insurance policy with Mesirow Financial for one month, while board members examine a proposal from USI Midwest. The cost? A mere $727,609.
There was a proposal to purchase a one-year policy from USI for $5 million. But some commissioners complained they did not have ample time to review the proposal, which was recommended by the county’s Chief Financial Officer Jaye Williams.
Hospital, homeland security initiatives moved to committee
A proposal to establish a Homeland Security and Emergency Management committee was moved to the Rules Committee.
Commissioners Greg Goslin, Liz Gorman and Timothy Schneider’s resolution said the newly re-formed Cook County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department should have coordination on the County Board level to ensure the department is performing well, and to ensure the timely flow of information.
Two health system-related proposals were moved to the Health and Hopsitals Committee. One would make the independent health board permanent. The other would allow the health system to levy taxes to pay for health care.