Stroger: No new taxes needed

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger says the spending plan he will introduce next month will not include tax or fee hikes.

Stroger made the pledge Wednesday, months after persuading commissioners to approve a one-penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase.

According to Stroger, the county will keep services at current levels, while at the same time making changes in technology that will help it reduce the work force in the future.

Stroger said the county would not scale back the sales tax hike because of the economy's woes. he said the county will feel the effects of the economic slowdown, making a tax reduction unwise.