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Proposed Fuel Tax Increase for Cook County runs into overwhelming Board opposition led by Commissioner Morrison

May 11, 2016

Chicago, IL – A 66% tax increase to Cook County’s special use gasoline and fuel tax proposed by Commissioner Richard Boykin hit a wall of opposition at today’s board meeting. The sponsor of the proposed tax hike deferred the proposal instead of calling for a vote so as to avoid a resounding defeat on the board floor.

“The gas tax increase was a fiscally irresponsible proposal. We worked hard to get that message out to taxpayers and businesses and we were successful today in turning back another regressive tax increase,” stated Commissioner Morrison.

The proposed gas tax increase had been earmarked to fund several new, yet vaguely defined, county government programs. Not only was the 66% gas tax increase questionable, but there were also questions about the new programs that would expand the size of county government by duplicating programs and overlapping services that already exist.

“Asking the county board to approve this tax increase along with the creation of new programs at a time when Cook County government is faced with serious fiscal challenges was extremely misguided.  We need to be focused on stabilizing the longtime fiscal health of Cook County government instead of trying to score short term headlines in the media,” concluded Commissioner Morrison.

Commissioner Morrison Opposes Huge Gas Tax Hike (Letter to the Editor)

April 26, 2016

A 66% tax increase to Cook County’s special use gasoline and fuel tax has been proposed by Commissioner Richard Boykin. This proposed tax increase has been earmarked to fund several new, yet vaguely defined, county government programs. Not only is the 66% gas tax increase questionable, but there are also questions about the new programs that appear to be expanding the size of government by duplicating programs and overlapping services that already exist.

In my view, attempting to impose a tax increase at this time would be circumventing the importance of the county’s budget process. A budget hearing is the proper forum to testify and debate the merits of a tax increase, especially one that specifically expands the size and costs of running county government.

When consolidation of services is being examined at all levels of government, I believe it is best practices to first thoroughly analyze the efficiency of all existing programs and services already provided by Cook County government.

Yes, there are very serious issues of crime and unemployment that plague certain areas of our community and yes, we must make every attempt to properly tackle those issues. But, it would be most effective to do it in a comprehensive approach, not piecemeal.  

The county board has been asked to approve this tax increase along with the creation of new programs at a time when Cook County government is faced with serious fiscal challenges.  We must be prudent in our allocation of tax dollars and that is why I look forward to working with my colleagues to closely analyze the effectiveness of our existing programs so that they are providing the very best services to address the needs of our constituents.

Sean M. Morrison
Cook County Commissioner
17th District

Commissioner Morrison Questions Vague “Special Fund” Ordinance (Letter to the Editor)

April 6, 2016

A Cook County ordinance has been proposed to create a “Youth Employment Special Fund”. The sponsors of this proposal intend to fund this program by taking from property owners a five percent (5%) reduction in an economic tax incentive benefit; incentives that provide economic stimulus.

The county board has been asked to approve an extremely vague two paragraph proposal which provides no specific details on funding accountability or program implementation.  The most fundamental questions have not been addressed: What is the structural framework of this program and how will it be implemented? Who would have oversight of these funds? Has a specific cost been identified for this program?

Cook County could potentially spend millions of tax dollars on a youth employment program that does not yet exist on paper. A “trust us, we’ll figure it out later” strategy is irresponsible.

With no specific details to be considered, this proposal has the potential to appear as a slush fund. And after watching Governor Pat Quinn’s NRI program (similar in nature) come under federal investigation in 2014, I cannot support legislation that does not outline its fiscal policies and oversight measures in a very transparent and detailed manner. Though well intended, vague generalities do not always serve the best purpose nor does it instill confidence in our constituents, the taxpayers. 

At a time when Cook County is faced with serious fiscal issues, we must be prudent in our allocation of tax dollars and that is why I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to create the appropriate fiscal policies and oversight measures for the betterment of Cook County government.

Sean M. Morrison
Cook County Commissioner
17th District

Commissioner Morrison announces grant program to provide local law enforcement with life-saving auto injector pens for heroin overdoses

April 5, 2016

Orland Park, IL – Commissioner Sean M. Morrison, in cooperation with the Orland Fire Protection District and Kaléo, Inc., has secured a grant of naloxone to supply Cook County Police Departments, free of charge, with the opioid antagonist, Evzio®. Under the agreement, Kaléo, Inc. is donating 12,000 Evzio® (Naloxone) kits to the office of Commissioner Morrison for distribution to police departments. All Police Departments within Cook County, including municipal, county and college/campus police will be eligible to receive a portion of the grant based on need.

Commissioner Morrison created the “Cook County Overdose Prevention Program”, working with the Orland Fire Protection District and other area police and fire agencies.  The Orland Fire Protection District will provide training and certification to police departments who apply to receive Evzio® as well as maintaining records, data and inventory for the program.

“We’ve seen a frightening surge in heroin overdoses throughout Cook County. This exceptional grant opportunity will provide law enforcement with a life-saving tool, at no cost, to be carried and administered on the front lines where minutes and even seconds are critical to saving lives,” said Commissioner Morrison.

The vast majority of overdoses are accidental and result from taking inappropriate doses of opioids or mixing opioid drugs with other substances.  These drug overdoses typically take over 45 minutes to turn fatal, but can happen much sooner depending on route and dose. So the ability to reduce the time between the onset of symptoms of an overdose and effective intervention is a matter of life and death.

Law enforcement officers have always been on the front lines of the battle against drug related harm in their communities. Police usually have a quicker response to an overdose incident than EMS providers, for the mere fact they are already on the street.  This creates a critical window of opportunity for lifesaving intervention with appropriate assistance, which includes the administration of the antidote naloxone, which quickly and effectively reverses the overdose effect.

Under a new state law that took effect on January 1, 2016, police departments throughout the State of Illinois are required to carry an opioid antagonist in an effort to reduce the number of overdose deaths in our communities. To participate, police departments were mailed an application or asked to visit the online version found on Commissioner Morrison’s website at: www.seanmorrison.com/evzio.

Commissioner Morrison honors Orland Park native Michael Schofield of the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos

March 23, 2016

Chicago, IL – Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison and the Cook County Board of Commissioners honored Orland Park native Michael Schofield of the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos at Wednesday’s board meeting.  Commissioner Morrison sponsored a resolution honoring Schofield’s Super Bowl achievement.

Michael Schofield, a native of Orland Park, began playing football in the sixth grade where he played for the Orland Park Pioneers. He continued on at Carl Sandburg High School where as a sophomore, he became a lineman and as a senior he was a special mention 2008 Chicago Tribune All-State selection.

Michael was recruited by and committed to play at the University of Michigan where he played     all 52 possible games. He earned 2013 All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention. His superb career at the University of Michigan, led to being drafted on Day 2 of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos as the 95th overall selection in the third round. 

In his second year as a professional NFL player, Michael became the starting right tackle for the Denver Broncos and admittedly had a lot to learn but saved his best performances for the postseason where he once again excelled in his position. On February 7, 2016, the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50 by defeating the Carolina Panthers 24 – 10.

Michael had his own cheering section at the Super Bowl which included his father Chief Mike Schofield of the Orland Fire Protection District; Mom, Kathy; siblings, Nicole, Stephanie, Kathleen, Jacqueline and Andrew; as well as his girlfriend, Kendall Coyne, a member of the U. S. Women’s Hockey Team in the 2014 Olympics.

Knowing the importance of maintaining a healthy body and also knowing the dangers of abusing one’s body, Michael has made it a priority since his college days and now as a professional athlete to speak against drug abuse and making young people aware of those dangers.

 “I’m very proud to honor Michael Schofield of Orland Park. His commitment to athletic excellence as well as his commitment to proper physical excellence is a great example for today’s youth. Because of his incredible work ethic and devotion to excelling at his craft he’s now a Super Bowl Champion,” stated Commissioner Morrison. 

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