Commissioner Bridget Gainer

Nonpartisan · IL District 10 · Board of Commissioners · cookcounty

Recent votes by Commissioner Bridget Gainer

• Voted Yea on Cook County examines criminal justice enforcement gaps — PROPOSED RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A HEARING ON IMPROVING THE “LAST MILE" OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, INCLUDING THE SERVICE OF ORDERS OF PROTECTION, FOID REVOCATION ENFORCEMENT, AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING VIOLATIONS WHEREAS, the goal of the criminal justice system is to provide safety for society, protection for victims and just application of the law for the accused. The ability to achieve these goals depends on 1) the crafting of effective, fair legislation, 2) provision of equally rigorous prosecution and defense, 3) the thoughtful discernment of judges and issuance of judicial orders, and 4) effective enforcement of those orders in real time; and WHEREAS, the “last mile of criminal justice” refers to the critical final stage of implementation in which law enforcement agencies, courts, and other partners must ensure that the products of judicial review other than incarceration: orders of protection, electronic monitoring (EM) conditions and Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card revocation result in the timely execution of those orders; and WHEREAS, challenges to effective enforcement undermine public safety and victim protections. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s data, approximately 45% orders of protection go unserved. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s report on FOID revocation, 68% percent of owners of revoked FOID cards do not comply with the transfer of firearms. While Cook County has strengthened EM protocols, there have been recent high-profile incidents linked to unauthorized absences of EM participants; and WHEREAS, high rates of failure to protect survivors, family members and the larger community in the last mile require the consideration and use of new tools and recourse, including adapting technology to community safety; and WHEREAS, survivors of violence rely upon the timely service and enforcement of orders of protection as an immediate safeguard against harm. Insufficient staffing, lack of information and technology coordination between agencies, and inconsistent enforcement practices can undermine the effectiveness of court-issued protections; and WHEREAS, the use of electronic communications in the transmission of orders of protection has been successfully implemented in other states and could be considered in Illinois; and WHEREAS, while a FOID card has a very high bar for revocation including felony conviction, active orders of protection, domestic battery charges, or being deemed a “clear and present danger,” less than 30% of owners of revoked FOID cards comply with the surrender of firearms. For the safety and protection of family members and survivors, new enforcement mechanisms such as the inability to renew a drivers license while out of compliance with a firearms license should be considered; and WHEREAS, electronic monitoring programs are intended to provide accountability, supervision, and public safety protections, yet concerns have been raised regarding monitoring compliance, response times to violations, interagency coordination, and enforcement capacity; and WHEREAS, there is a massive investment of taxpayer resources to insure a well functioning criminal justice system and lapses in the “last mile” expose addressable failures and ultimately undermine safety; and WHEREAS, a public hearing would provide an opportunity for the Cook County Criminal Justice Committee to hear testimony from law enforcement agencies, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Office of the Chief Judge, the Sheriff’s Office, advocates for survivors of violence, legal experts, community organizations, and impacted residents regarding existing challenges and potential reforms. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Cook County Criminal Justice Committee will convene a “Last Mile of Criminal Justice” hearing on June 9, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. to examine challenges, delays, and systemic gaps related to the service and enforcement of orders of protection, electronic monitoring compliance and enforcement, and FOID revocations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the hearing shall evaluate current procedures, response timelines, interagency coordination practices, staffing capacity, data collection, and enforcement mechanisms to identify operational failures and opportunities for improvement.
• Voted Not Voting on Stone Park 911 dispatch moves to county sheriff — PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Other Part(ies): Village of Stone Park, Stone Park, Illinois Request: Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Stone Park Goods or Services: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide 911 System dispatching/radio monitoring/call taking services for the Village of Stone Park, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Upon execution by all parties and shall continue for five (5) years from the effective date Fiscal Impact: None - Revenue Neutral Accounts: 11324-ETSB - 911 Special Purpose Fund Summary: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for 911 System dispatch/radio monitoring/call taking services for the Village of Stone Park, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Village of Stone Park dispatch will transmit on a Cook County 800 mhz frequency. The Village of Stone Park agrees to reimburse the Cook County Sheriff’s Office monthly for all personnel and operational costs associated with this IGA, including but not limited to cost associated with any additional positions necessary for performance services (“Sheriff’s Reimbursement”). Reimbursements shall take place in accordance with the following schedule, with any partial year prorated based on the number of days the IGA has been in effect for that year: 1st year of service - $112,365.00 2nd year of service - $114,150.00 3rd year of service - $115,970.00 4th year of service - $117,827.00 5th year of service - $119,721.00 The Sheriff’s Office will send the Village of Stone Park an invoice monthly. Payment to the Sheriff’s Office will be due within thirty (30) days if receipt of the invoice.
• Voted Yea on Cook County secures federal grant eligibility — PROPOSED RESOLUTION WHEREAS, System for Award Management (SAM.gov) the official U.S. Government System for entity information, contract opportunities, contract data, wage determinations, federal hierarchy, and entity reporting; and WHEREAS, an active registration with SAM.gov is required for the County of Cook, Illinois ("Cook County"), and is also required for various individual Cook County departments and/or Cook County agencies ("Cook County entities") to obtain a unique entity identification number which enables County entities to apply for and receive federal grants; and WHEREAS, on April 4, 2022, the federal government implemented changes to the SAM.gov registration procedures, replacing the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number with the "Unique Entity ID" (UEI), managed by SAM.gov; and WHEREAS, the UEI is now the official 12-character alphanumeric ID used by the U.S. government to uniquely identify businesses, organizations, or entities that receive federal funding or do business with federal agencies. Entity registration, searching, and data entry in SAM.gov now require the use of this new UEI; and WHEREAS, SAM.gov’s Entity Validation Services (EVS) now require that official documentation used for validation explicitly include entity-specific information within the body of such Resolution to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud; and WHEREAS, this transition necessitates a consolidation of all current identifiers under the umbrella term "Cook County accounts" to streamline the identification process for Cook County entities; and WHEREAS, failure to comply with the revised entity validation document requirements by SAM.gov’s Entity Validation Services (EVS) has resulted in rejections of County entities' registrations due to inability to verify addresses for various Cook County departments; and WHEREAS, such rejections of Cook County entities prevent the County from receiving federal grant funding; and WHEREAS, the County seeks to address this issue by providing an official document to SAM.gov that verifies all Cook County entity names, addresses, UEIs, and entity star years, in accordance with SAM.gov registrations; and WHEREAS, the Resolution will serve as an acceptable document for entities during the entity validation process, ensuring successful registration, renewal and compliance of all Cook County entities with SAM.gov requirements; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the need for an approved document for the registration and annual renewal process, during which SAM.gov mandates entities to demonstrate proof of name, address, entity start year, and state as part of their entity validation process; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board recognizes the Resolution as a proper document for the registration and annual renewal process, addressing the entity validation set forth by SAM.gov. List of Entity Registrations Entity: Cook County Division Name: Cook County, Illinois Unique Entity ID: HFEFPN1L2US5 Cage Code: 49W76 Physical Address: 118 N Clark St, RM 537 Chicago, IL 60602 USA Entity Start Date: January 1, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Cook County Sheriff's Office Unique Entity ID: T95LE61PJEY1 Cage Code: 309N4 Physical Address: 50 W Washington St, RM 704 Chicago, IL 60602-1457 USA Entity Start Date: January 1, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Sheriff's Dep Unique Entity ID: JCELNK4L3PA4 Cage Code: 34EZ1 Physical Address: 1401 Maybrook Dr Maywood, IL 60153-2434 USA Entity Start Date: October 29, 2004 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Justice Advisory Council Division Name: Justice Advisory Council Unique Entity ID: MB1MP23XLXD8 Cage Code: 6K4N1 Physical Address: 69 W Washington St, Ste 1410 Chicago, IL 60602-3152 USA Entity Start Date: March 17, 1975 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Cook County Health Division Name: Grants Finance Administration Unique Entity ID: JHMSN8C8KJ58 Cage Code: 3LWV4 Physical Address: 1950 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612-3723 USA Entity Start Date: October 14, 1991 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Department of Environment and Sustainability Division Name: Cook County Department of Environment & Sustainability Unique Entity ID: QBHPT6LKE8J2 Cage Code: 4VXV0 Physical Address: 69 W Washington St, Ste 1900 Chicago, IL 60602-4052 USA Entity Start Date: January 1, 1831 Entity: Cook County Emergency Telephone System Board Doing Business as Name: Cook County Emergency Telephone System Board Unique Entity ID: VEN3URW11BU6 Cage Code: 7SK72 Physical Address: 9511 W Harrison St, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1563 USA Entity Start Date: April 20, 1993 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Administration, Bureau of Division Name: Bureau of Economic Development Unique Entity ID: TAQGTNNU9YC3 Cage Code: 5MKS9 Physical Address: 69 W Washington St, Ste 930 Chicago, IL 60602-3023 USA Entity Start Date: January 15, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security Division Name: Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security Unique Entity ID: JRQ1D7QN1395 Cage Code: 7S3D1 Physical Address: 69 W. Washington St, STE 2600 CHICAGO, IL 60602 USA Entity Start Date: January 15, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: State's Attorney Unique Entity ID: F6T8N7J3EQ14 Cage Code: 38WA7 Physical Address: 69 W Washington St, Ste 3200, Chicago, IL 60602-3174 USA Entity Start Date: January 1, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Clerk of the Circuit Court Division Name: Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Unique Entity ID: ZRMGKPNJQGK5 Cage Code: 48G57 Physical Address: 69 W Washington St, Ste 2500 Chicago, IL 60602 USA Entity Start Date: January 1, 1964 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Cook County Clerk Division Name: Cook County Clerk Unique Entity ID: CF2TK25VT7S5 Cage Code: 6FML1 Physical Address: 118 N Clark St, RM 434 Chicago, IL 60602-1304 USA Entity Start Date: January 15, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Cook County Highway Department Unique Entity ID: VZTEWZDGT875 Cage Code: 7TK86 Physical Address: 69 W. Washington St, STE 2300, Chicago, IL 60602 USA Entity Start Date: January 15, 1831 Entity: Cook County Doing Business as Name: Medical Examiner Unique Entity ID: X21WGXWNFJZ5 Cage Code: 7TLN8 Physical Address: 2121 W. Harrison St., Chicago, 60612 USA Entity Start Date: December 6, 1976 Entity: Judicial Courts of the State of Illinois Doing Business as Name: Circuit Court of Cook County Unique Entity ID: C8NTUTN1FPJ4 Cage Code: 5PVC0 Physical Address: 50 W. Washington St, RM 2600 Chicago IL, 60602-1305 USA Entity Start Date: September 29, 2010
• Voted Yea on Lansing warehouse gets early tax break — PROPOSED RESOLUTION H3 Holdings, or its assignee CLASS 8 PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 application containing the following information: Applicant: H3 Holdings, or its assignee Address: 2929 175th Street and 2927 175th Place, Lansing, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Lansing Cook County District: 2nd District Permanent Index Number: 30-30-405-029-0000 30-30-405-030-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Lansing, Resolution No. 25-037 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: One (1) months vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Industrial use - Warehousing, manufacturing or distribution Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: Yes WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 that provides an applicant a reduction in the assessment level for an abandoned commercial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 8; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 8 requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 8 is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS; commercial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying commercial real estate eligible for the Class 8 can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 8 will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 8; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Office of the Cook County Assessor
• Voted Yea on Party committeepersons fill four county vacancies — PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT VACANCIES BE IT ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Chapter 2 - Administration, Article IV (Officers and Employees, Division 1 - Generally, Section 2-142 of the Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows: Sec. 2-142. Vacancies. The following provisions shall apply to the following separately elected positions: Assessor, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Treasurer (hereafter also referred to as “County Office” or “County Officer”): (a) Committee of same political party to appoint. In the event of a vacancy, such vacancy shall be filled to no longer than the end of the unexpired term as dictated by this Section by appointment. The appointment shall be done by the appropriate committeepersons of the political party of which the incumbent was a candidate at the time of the candidate's election or appointment. The appointee shall also be of the same political party that the incumbent was at the time of election or appointment. (b) Composition of committee. In the event of a vacancy, the committee that shall appoint the separately elected County Officer shall consist of Cook County committeepersons of the same political party that the incumbent was at the time of election or appointment. In making appointments under this Section, each committeeperson shall be entitled to one vote. A candidate is required to receive the majority of the total number of votes in order to be appointed. In making appointments under this Section, each Cook County township or ward committeeperson shall be entitled to one vote for each vote that was received, in that Cook County township or ward which the committeeperson represents on the committee, by the County Officer whose seat is vacant at the general election at which that County Officer was elected to the County Office which has been vacated (or the County Officer’s elected predecessor, if the County Officer whose seat is vacant was appointed), and a majority of the total number of votes received in such general election by the County Officer whose seat is vacant is required for the appointment of the successor. (c) Written appointment filed with County Clerk. Appointments made under this Section shall be in writing and shall be signed by members of the committeepersons whose total votes are sufficient to make the appointments. Such appointments shall be filed with the County Clerk. (d) Duration. An appointment made under this Section shall be for no longer than 28 months to the end of the unexpired term. If more than 28 months of the unexpired term of an elected official remains, a special election shall be held at the next general election to elect a person to serve the unexpired term of the elected official. In the case of a special election, the appointed officer shall serve until the election results are certified and the person elected at the special election is qualified. If 28 months or less of the unexpired term remain, the appointed officer shall serve for the remainder of the term. Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption...end
• Voted Yea on Matteson hotel gets property tax break — PROPOSED RESOLUTION 5210 Hotels, LLC CLASS 8 PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 application containing the following information: Applicant: 5210 Hotels, LLC Address: 5210 Southwick Drive, Matteson, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Matteson Cook County District: 6th District Permanent Index Number: 31-21-402-016-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Matteson, Resolution Number 1394-0325 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: One month vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Commercial use- Hotel Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: N/A WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 that provides an applicant a reduction in the assessment level for an abandoned commercial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 8; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 8 requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 8 is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS; commercial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying commercial real estate eligible for the Class 8 can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 8 will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 8; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Office of the Cook County Assessor
• Voted Yea on Tax break for Bedford Park warehouse development — PROPOSED RESOLUTION Common Market Philadelphia, Inc.6B PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b application containing the following information: Applicant: Common Market Philadelphia, Inc. Address: 7424 S Lockwood Ave Bedford Park, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Bedford Park Cook County District: 11th District Permanent Index Number: 19-28-102-008-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Bedford Park Resolution Number 25-014 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: Six (6) months vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Industrial use - warehousing and distribution Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: Yes WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b that provides an applicant a reduction in the assessment level for an abandoned industrial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 6b; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 6b requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 6b is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS, industrial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying industrial real estate eligible for the Class 6b can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 6b will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 6b; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Office of the Cook County Assessor
• Voted Not Voting on Cook County examines property tax delivery delays — PROPOSED RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A MEETING OF THE LEGISLATION AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEES ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES WHEREAS, according to a 2024 Tax Year Bill Analysis, the Cook County Treasurer collects nearly $19.2 billion in property tax dollars from property owners across Cook County (https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/pdfs/taxbillanalysisandstatistics/taxyear2024analysisenglishversion.pdf); and WHEREAS, the property tax system involves several separately elected offices including the Cook County Assessor’s Office that sets assessed values and decides appeals; the Board of Review that conducts appeals and revises assessments; the Illinois Department of Revenue that sets the state equalization factor; the Cook County Clerk’s Office that calculates taxable rates based on taxing districts’ property tax levies pass; and the Cook County Treasurer’s Office that prints and mails tax bills, as well as calculates and distributes the collected property tax revenues to taxing districts; and WHEREAS, there are 685 taxing districts within Cook County, including but not limited to municipalities, townships, school districts, park districts, library districts, road districts, sanitation districts, fire protection districts, pension districts, mental health districts, special service areas, TIF districts, and water commissions (https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/taxingdistrictsearchbyname.aspx); and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board President and Cook County Board of Commissioners have heard testimony and have received correspondence from numerous taxing entities, predominantly school districts and library districts, about the adverse effects of delayed property tax bills and revenue disbursements; and WHEREAS, to ensure that future property tax bills and disbursements are made in a timely and reliable manner, it is imperative that the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review Commissioners, Cook County Clerk, and Cook County Treasurer maintain functional, efficient, and accurate property tax systems; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request that a meeting of the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee be convened to update the Board of Commissioners and public at-large on measures that will or are being undertaken to improve processes and oversight within the property tax systems managed and controlled by the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review Commissioners, Cook County Clerk, and Cook County Treasurer; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review Commissioners, Cook County Clerk, and Cook County Treasurer are requested to participate in the meeting and provide the updates requested in this Resolution relevant to their work determining and delivering property tax bills, the receipt of property tax collections, and disbursement of property tax collections.
• Voted Yea on Funds specialized prosecutors for domestic violence cases — PROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: State’s Attorney’s Office Grantee: State’s Attorney’s Office Grantor: Northwestern University Request: Authorization to accept grant Purpose: Through this program, the SAO will create two victim specialist positions, two investigator positions, and one data collection specialist position to be dedicated to the Targeted Abuser Call (TAC) Program. This specialized prosecutorial intervention targets domestic violence cases that are assessed to be at high risk of severe harm. Grant Amount: $1,549,797.00 Grant Period: 5/1/26-4/30/29 Fiscal Impact: None Accounts: N/A. Concurrences: The Budget Department has received all requisite documents and determined the fiscal impact on Cook County, if any. Summary: The funds will allow the SAO to add personnel to allow Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research to implement their research project “Causal Evidence on Survivor-Centered Prosecution & Domestic Violence Outcomes.” This research will examine whether a survivor-centered intervention that makes sustained, proactive efforts to safely engage victims after contact with law enforcement can improve both prosecution outcomes and long-term victim safety.
• Voted Yea on Cook County backs gun conversion device ban — PROPOSED RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ILLINOIS SENATE BILL 2801 AND HOUSE BILL 4471 WHEREAS, federal and state statutes long imposed stringent prohibitions on the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of fully automatic firearms, including machine guns, in recognition of their inherently indiscriminate lethality and profound threat to public safety; and WHEREAS, recent technological adaptations enabled certain semi-automatic handguns to be illicitly modified into fully automatic weapons through the installation of a diminutive, yet highly dangerous device commonly referred to as a “switch,” often composed of plastic or metal and readily obtainable through unlawful channels; and WHEREAS, once converted, these firearms can discharge ammunition at an alarming rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, rendering them exceedingly difficult to control and exponentially increasing the likelihood of mass casualty incidents, collateral damage, and loss of innocent life; and WHEREAS, once converted, these firearms can discharge ammunition at an alarming rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, rendering them exceedingly difficult to control and exponentially increasing the likelihood of mass casualty incidents, collateral damage, and loss of innocent life; and WHEREAS, the proliferation of such conversion devices directly correlates with a troubling escalation in gun violence across urban and suburban communities alike, undermining decades of public safety progress and placing an undue burden on law enforcement, emergency responders, and healthcare systems; and WHEREAS, evidence indicates a limited number of firearm manufacturers are cognizant of the susceptibility of certain semi-automatic handgun models to facile conversion, yet continued manufacturing, distributing, and marketing such weapons without sufficient design modifications or safeguards to mitigate this risk; and WHEREAS, Illinois Senate Bill 2801 and House Bill 4471, sponsored by Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Justin Slaughter, seek to address this critical public safety vulnerability by prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling or transferring to civilians any semi-automatic handgun that can be readily converted into a machine gun by hand or with commonly available tools; and WHEREAS, this legislation establishes a framework of escalating civil penalties to ensure compliance and accountability, thereby deterring negligent or complicit conduct within the firearm marketplace; and WHEREAS, these measures are narrowly tailored and judiciously crafted so as not to infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners, as they do not affect the lawful possession or carrying of currently owned firearms, and explicitly provide exemptions for sales to law enforcement agencies and members of the military; and WHEREAS, the proposed legislation represents a balanced, evidence-based approach that harmonizes constitutional considerations with the urgent imperative to safeguard communities from preventable violence; and WHEREAS, Cook County remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing policies that promote public safety, reduce gun violence, and protect the health, welfare, and security of all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby resolve, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners formally expresses its unequivocal support for Illinois Senate Bill 2801 and House Bill 4471; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County urges the Illinois General Assembly to enact these measures with all deliberate speed in order to curtail the proliferation of illegally modified firearms and to enhance the safety of communities throughout the State of Illinois; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of Illinois, members of the Illinois General Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to advocate for the passage and implementation of this critical legislation. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District.
• Voted Yea on Cook County appoints acting finance chief — PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the Bureau of Finance, as well as the management oversight for the Comptroller, Budget, Revenue, Risk Management, Procurement, and Liquor Commission; and WHEREAS, in the case of a vacancy in the position of Chief Financial Officer, it is necessary to appoint an Acting or Interim Chief Financial Officer to perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer and said Acting or Interim Chief Financial Officer shall have the full authority to otherwise execute the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer until the appointed candidate for Chief Financial Officer can be confirmed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the current Chief Financial Officer will vacate the position on 5/15/2026; and WHEREAS, it is imperative to the successful operation of County government that the duties of the Chief Financial Officer continue to be carried out in an efficient and transparent manner; and WHEREAS, President Toni Preckwinkle has appointed the Director, Department of Risk Management, Deanna Zalas, to serve as the Acting Chief Financial Officer; and WHEREAS, Ms. Zalas is highly knowledgeable of the County operations and finances and the Finance Bureau operations and is highly qualified to manage the operations of the Bureau of Finance and assumes the duties of the Acting Chief Financial Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the appointment of Deanna Zalas as Acting Chief Financial Officer effective 5/16/2026, and grants Deanna Zalas the full authority to fulfill the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer and execute the duties of the Chief Financial Officer until a successor is confirmed.
• Voted Yea on Cook County seeks public hearing on workforce challenges — PROPOSED RESOLUTION PROPOSED RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT’S STATE OF OUR LABOR WHEREAS, Cook County Government has an employee base of over 22,000 dedicated professionals that provide wide-ranging services to its 5.18 million residents; and WHEREAS, the nation’s unpredictable business climate and volatile job market have placed increasing pressures on Cook County Government to attract, develop, and retain the workforce needed to provide necessary services to residents; and WHEREAS, Cook County Government has positioned itself as an employer of choice by supporting and investing in its workforce through equitable and innovative approaches to recruitment and retention; and WHEREAS, Cook County Government counts on the leadership of independently elected officials to run and deliver essential services, including the Cook County Board President who oversees Offices Under the President, the Cook County Assessor, the Cook County Board of Review, the Clerk of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the County Clerk, the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney, and the Treasurer. Additionally, operations and policy for Cook County Health are governed by the independent Cook County Health Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, the Bureau of Human Resources directs and coordinates all human resources activities for those departments under the jurisdiction of the President of the Cook County Board; and WHEREAS, Cook County Health and independently elected offices count on the support of their individual human resources department to maintain hiring policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners is tasked with prioritizing transparency and accountability in County operations and services, which includes understanding the current state of Cook County Government’s workforce. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request a public hearing of the Labor Committee to understand the challenges and opportunities surrounding Cook County Government’s workforce, and requests an update on the following matters: a. Efforts to reduce current vacancy rate and decrease hiring timeline; b. Efforts to reduce employee turnover rate; c. Presentation on aggregate demographics of the agency’s current workforce, limited to race and gender; d. Efforts to work collaboratively with labor unions on hiring initiatives; e. Efforts to establish and expand pathway programs to create and sustain a future workforce. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners requests the following agencies to provide a short presentation on the status of their workforce describing matters (a) - (e) above: 1. Cook County Bureau of Human Resources; 2. Cook County Health; 3. Cook County Assessor; 4. Cook County Board of Review; 5. Clerk of the Circuit Court; 6. Cook County Clerk; 7. Cook County Sheriff; 8. Cook County State’s Attorney; 9. Cook County Treasurer; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be distributed to the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources, Cook County Health, Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Cook County Clerk, Cook County Sheriff, Cook County State’s Attorney, and Cook County Treasurer. All relevant stakeholders will facilitate participation in the hearing with the goal of strengthening Cook County Government’s workforce.
• Voted Not Voting on Cook County urges digital abuse protections law — PROPOSED RESOLUTION URGING THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS HB4312/SB3020 AN ACT CONCERNING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHEREAS, electronic harassment is a rapidly expanding tactic employed in domestic violence to establish power, control, and intimidation over a partner. This form of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is prevalent, with studies indicating its occurrence in over 90% of gender-based violence cases; and WHEREAS, abusers employ digital tools to monitor, track, and isolate victims, effectively replicating traditional abusive tactics through technological means; and WHEREAS, digital abuse instills a pervasive sense of “omnipresence,” causing the victim to experience constant surveillance and a heightened sense of insecurity, even in physically isolated situations; and WHEREAS, online abuse often precedes or coincides with physical violence. Harassment, including persistent threats or doxxing, can rapidly escalate into real-life danger; and WHEREAS, common digital tactics employed include incessant threatening texts and emails, image-based abuse (sharing intimate photographs without consent or “revenge porn”), controlling smart home systems (locks, thermostats), and impersonation; and WHEREAS, electronic harassment is increasingly recognized by law as a form of domestic violence, frequently resulting in legal repercussions for the perpetrator; and WHEREAS, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported a 110 percent increase in domestic-related deaths in 2023 in Illinois; and WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) indicates that 41 percent of women and 25 percent of men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, HB4312/SB3020 seeks to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, including changes to the definitions of "harassment" to include, among other actions, doxing, electronic tracking, and nonconsensual creation, dissemination, or threatening the dissemination of electronically generated or digitally altered content pertaining to the petitioner; and WHEREAS, the legislation provides that the court may issue a domestic violence order of protection to prohibit and cease and desist from these types of harassment; and WHEREAS, it further requires counties to provide remote access to a hearing on a protective order to include relevant witnesses besides the petitioner and respondent unless good cause is shown; and WHEREAS, it creates additional remedies for the court to grant in a domestic violence order of protection, and requires that any motion to extend a plenary order must be filed on or before the expiration date, and the plenary order remains in effect after filing until its original expiration date or until the motion is presented or heard, whichever is later; and WHEREAS, it provides for additional amendatory language to equip the court with the necessary tools to safeguard victims by simplifying the extension requirements; and WHEREAS, this Honorable Body has been diligently working to provide support to victims of domestic violence, enhance court access and procedures, and generate recommendations for further improvements in both domestic violence and domestic relations court; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass HB4312/SB3020 amending the Protective Orders Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, the President of the Illinois Senate, the main sponsors of such House and Senate Bills, the Cook County delegation to the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor of Illinois.
• Voted Not Voting on Inverness police gain access to county booking system — PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Other Part(ies): The Village of Inverness on behalf of the Inverness Police Department Request: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff of Cook County to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Inverness Police Department to allow access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (“WAN”) Goods or Services: Access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (WAN Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Upon execution and shall continue, except as otherwise provided herein, for as long as the County operates CCWAN and the Sheriff operates CABS Fiscal Impact: None Accounts: N/A Summary: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff of Cook County to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Inverness Police Department to allow access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (“WAN”). The Countywide Live Scan Network provides support for law enforcement agencies in Cook County for the purpose of processing fingerprints through the Criminal Apprehension Booking System (CABS).
• Voted Yea on Funds drug court legal aid services in Cook County — PROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County Grantee: Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County Grantor: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Adult Redeploy Illinois Program Request: The Office of the Chief Judge seeks authorization to enter into a subcontract agreement with Cabrini Green Legal Aid. Purpose: Program Support, Adult Redeploy Illinois Program W/RAP program. Grant Amount: $64,000.00 Grant Period: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026 Fiscal Impact: None Accounts: N/A - no cash match requirement. Subcontract is funded by a State Grant: Fund. 119001310. 520840, Contractual Services. Concurrences: The Budget Department has received all requisite documents and determined the fiscal impact on Cook County, if any. Summary: The Circuit Court of Cook County received state grant funding from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Adult Redeploy Illinois Program to provide operation support to Rehabilitation Alternative Probation/Women’s Rehabilitation Alternative Probation Drug Court W/RAP. the program operates under the evidence-based adult drug court models that combine intensive judicial supervision; mandatory drug testing; graduated incentives, sanctions and therapeutic adjustments; and comprehensive behavioral health treatment to help participants with substance abuse disorders break the cycle of addiction and the crime that accompanies it. Those who successfully compleet the program are offered conviciton relief via expungment services. Grant funds are allocated to staff salaries and fringe benefits, training, travel, supplies, professional services, and Cook County administrative costs. The contractual service subcontract agreement with CGLA in the amount of $64,000.00 is fully funded by the state award of $465,486.00

Other IL representatives

• Commissioner Alma E. Anaya
• District 2 Andrew Honig
• Commissioner Bill Lowry
• District 3 Brian Krajewski
• Commissioner Bridget Degnen
• District 1 Cynthia Cronin Cahill
• District 5 Dawn DeSart
• Chair Deborah A. Conroy
• Commissioner Donna Miller
• Commissioner DR. KISHA E. McCASKILL

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