At the Board Meeting on December 1st, 12 Commissioners successfully voted to override President Stroger's veto of the 0.5% sales tax reduction. Effective July 1, 2010, the Cook County sales tax will be reduced from 1.75% to 1.25%. This sales tax reduction is already accounted for in the FY2010 budget.
I have opposed the 1% sales tax increase from the beginning, as I believe it is an undue burden on County taxpayers. This regressive tax adds an especially onerous burden to residents in the 14th District, as we border three other counties, putting local jobs and businesses at risk.
In the coming year I intend to lay the groundwork for reducing the sales tax another 0.5% to complete the repeal of President Stroger's one-point tax increase. I will be introducing proposals to improve efficiency and reduce the County's monetary obligations, including proposals to consolidate Information Technology functions into a single department and convert the County pension system from a defined benefit to a defined contribution plan.
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