Cook County budget proposal includes no new taxes
Cook County’s top official has introduced a $3.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year that she says includes no new taxes, fines or fees.
The office of county board President Toni Preckwinkle says that her proposed budget also would channel investment to the health system and public safety.
A statement released Thursday says her administration also eliminated a budget deficit of $152 million, primarily with the help of an increase in Cook County Health and Hospital System payments of more than $86 million.
It says the county was able to hold the line on taxes because of the success of a Medicaid expansion program known as CountyCare, which is expected to bring in net revenue of $278 million.
Preckwinkle’s office says public safety spending would increase by $27.6 million.