Orland Park, IL – The FY2021 Cook County Budget was formally presented today to the Board of Commissioners for passage. The budget was successfully passed on a 17-0 unanimous vote which included the support of Commissioner Sean Morrison. The FY2021 budget is the third county budget which Commissioner Morrison has voted in the affirmative to support since 2015. Below, please find Commissioner Morrison’s statement on the formal passage of the FY2021 Cook County Budget:

2020 presented a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances never seen before by our government and our country. The shutting down of our entire economy and our country put us in uncharted waters.

As a governmental body, we have been faced with a massive public health crisis, massive economic loss, and massive personal loss… all of which are immeasurable. But we must continue to look and move forward. That is our duty and obligation as an elected body.

The 2021 Budget under consideration, is one that has not placed an undue burden on our residents and businesses through a call for additional taxes and revenue. We have been fortunate to have received substantial federal CARES funding. It is that assistance which has largely made this possible.

As we move forward as a Board, we must be mindful and vigilant on how we operate county government. The enormous challenge that lies ahead for Cook County will be next year… 2022.

The obvious question that lies ahead is: Will we continue to receive federal assistance in the name of COVID or will we be charged to tackle the revenue deficit on our own… through our own means? That is the question that lies ahead for us.  Because of our ability to balance the 2021 Budget WITHOUT implementing new revenue or taxes on our residents and businesses – I therefore will cast my vote as “YES” in support of the 2021 Cook County Budget.

Commissioner Sean M. Morrison, 17th District – Cook County

MEDIA CONTACT: Email: Sean.Morrison@cookcountyil.gov | 708-349-1336 (P)

2021 permits will be available for purchase beginning at 8am on Monday, November 16, 2020. On that day, permits will only be available for purchase online or by telephone. No in-person sales will be take place on Monday, November 16. Permits can be purchased online at www.fpdcc.com/permits or over the phone by calling 800-870-3666, option 1. Note: due to anticipated high call volume, the best way to book a space will be through our website.

Two new sites in the Forest Preserves of Cook County were granted increased protections by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for being high-quality or important habitats. Elizabeth Conkey Woods near Palos Heights was named an Illinois Nature Preserve, while Bergman Slough in Palos Park was named a Land and Water Reserve.Elizabeth Conkey Woods Nature Preserve—a 180-acre portion of Elizabeth Conkey Forest Preserve— features mesic woodland, mesic floodplain forest and sedge meadow. Numerous native and migrating birds have been spotted at the site, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, vireos, 19 species of warblers and northern waterthrush.Bergman Slough Land and Water Reserve has undergone restoration and prairie and savanna reconstruction efforts since 2001; the site now contains restored prairie, savanna and marsh habitat. Located next to Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve, Bergman Slough Land and Water Reserve provides good quality habitat for 21 wildlife species in greatest need of conservation, as well as protects headwaters of Sagawau Canyon Nature Preserve located northwest of the site.With the recognition of these two sites, the Forest Preserves of Cook County now manages 26 dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and five Illinois Land and Water Reserves—the most of any local entity in the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

With news stories across the country, including Chicago, reporting on massive safety precautions being taken by businesses and residents, it’s disconcerting to see so many cities ‘boarding up’ their downtown districts. After a summer of chaos and destruction, this situation raises a legitimate question to the elected leadership charged with providing safety for the public.

Will Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker take all of the necessary safety precautions to keep our communities and our residents safe in the face of potential unrest?
It is my hope that we do not have a repeat of what was allowed to occur this past summer. I look forward to hearing from both the mayor and the governor regarding all of the safety measures they are enacting to preserve law and order over the next coming days regardless of the outcome of the election.

It’s imperative that the public is reassured that their safety and well-being will not be jeopardized or exploited for political purposes.

Commissioner Sean M. Morrison

17th District – Cook County

CONTACT: Sean.Morrison@cookcountyil.gov or call 708-349-1336 (P)