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)