The Cook County Health and Hospitals System's board tomorrow will debate a resolution in support of making the system permanently independent of county government.
The 2008 ordinance establishing the independent board calls for the health system to revert back to Cook County Board oversight in 2011.
Making the health board permanent was a campaign point for candidates vying for the County Board presidency. Both Democrat Toni Preckwinkle and Republican Roger Keats support making it permanent; Green Party candidate Tom Tresser says he would like the board embrace more diversity and community input. Read more...
Calling a new Arizona law that targets illegal immigrants – or anyone who could be an illegal immigrant – Cook County Commissioners are set to discuss
an ordinance that would cancel all contracts with Arizona-based companies.
The ordinance, introduced by Commissioners Joseph Mario Moreno and Edwin Reyes, was referred to the finance committee.
Commissioners said the Arizona law was reminiscent of World War II Germany in targeting certain groups of people.
Read more...
On Friday, as leaders of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System approved a three-year $6.4 million contract for laundry and linen services, small businesses renewed claims that they're being pushed away. And this time county commissioners are joining them in complaining about the health system's use of a group purchasing organization.
The contract, with Cincinnati-based Standard Textile Co., Inc., is expected to save the health system 38 percent of its current contract with Lorain, Ohio-based Angelica Corporation. And health system leaders say a rebate program will net an additional $2 million.
But a growing clamor from county commissioners and small business owners illustrates that not everyone is comfortable with the health system’s use of a centralized group purchasing program, which health system leaders expect to save up to $20 million a year. So far, however, the health system has been unable to prove those savings.
Read more...
It’s unlikely we’ve heard the last of the sales tax debate. But for now, the sales tax is staying right where it is.
Commissioner Tony Peraica’s bid to axe the remaining half-percent of the 2008 sales tax hike was defeated by county commissioners at Tuesday’s board meeting. Commissioners in the finance committee voted 11-6 against the measure.
Voting nay were Commissioners William Beavers, Jerry Butler, John Daley, Bridget Gainer, Joseph Mario Moreno, Joan Patricia Murphy, Edwin Reyes, Deborah Sims, Robert Steele and Larry Suffredin. Read more...
As we nurse a primary hangover, here are some more Cook County results, if you’ve not seen them yet. (Scroll down for Cook County board results)
Republican Roger Keats soundly beat Chicago cop John Garrido for the County Board president nomination. Green Party candidate Tom Tresser ran unopposed.
Sheriff Tom Dart easily beat Sylvester Baker, and will face off against Republican Frederick Collins. Read more...
