The Forest Preserves of Cook County is permitting snowmobiling this winter season. However, permits can only be obtained online at https://fpdcc.com/things-to-do/snowmobiling/ and not in person this year. Snowmobiles are allowed at four designated locations in the Forest Preserves under certain winter conditions.

Snowmobile areas are open from 10 am to 10 pm on days when the soil is frozen with a minimum snow depth of four inches and temperatures are constant 20 degrees or less.

Public safety requires the temporary closing of some Forest Preserves parking areas during the winter season. However, our maintenance department prioritizes the clearing of parking areas serving winter activities. Always call ahead to make sure snowmobile areas and parking areas are open.

Please click on the link for details: https://fpdcc.com/things-to-do/snowmobiling/.

The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.

BIG is the largest program of its kind in the nation – leveraging federal CARES Act funds to establish economic recovery programs: over $270 million for small businesses, and another $270 million exclusively for childcare providers, administered jointly by DCEO and IDHS.

Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found below.

Important Application Updates: Applications for a second round of funding are now live. A total of $220 million will be made available for small businesses of all types in Illinois. If you have questions or are experiencing technical difficulties, please submit a question to the BIG Helpdesk via the following forms for assistance with your application in either English or Spanish. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with funding priorities outlined below. Please take care to submit a complete and correct application. Additional time needed to submit will not impact your eligibility or chances of receiving a grant.

CLICK ON THE LINK FOR DETAILS: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 4, 2020

Commissioner Sean Morrison Kicks Off Holiday Pet Supplies Drive To Support P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park

Orland Park, IL – Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison kicks off his Holiday Pet Supplies Drive today to support P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park. The donation drive will run from December 4 thru December 18. Residents are asked to donate select dog and cat items to help support the shelter animals at P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park.

• Bedding: Twin and Full Size Blankets and/or Bath Towels for Dogs & Cats
• Buckle Collars for Dogs (All Sizes)
• Nylon Leashes (4 ft. & 6 ft.)
• Kitty Toys
• Kongs (Dog Toys)

2020 has been an extremely difficult year for everyone and that also includes our animal shelters. Commissioner Morrison would like to take this opportunity to lend a helping hand to P.A.W.S. by bringing needed pet supplies for the shelter animals at their facility. “As we always see, our residents have a caring and giving nature towards friends, family, neighbors and animals too. Their generosity, especially at this time of the year, will go a long way to helping P.A.W.S. and the great work they do for shelter animals,” stated Commissioner Morrison.

Donations can be dropped off (M-F 9am-5pm) to Commissioner Morrison’s 17th District Office, located 15040 Ravinia Drive, Suite 44 in Orland Park. We ask all residents wishing to make a donation to call our office in advance of their visit at 708-349-1336.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sean.Morrison@cookcountyil.gov

708-349-1336 (P)

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)

2021 permits will be available for purchase beginning at 8am on Monday, November 16, 2020. On that day, permits will only be available for purchase online or by telephone. No in-person sales will be take place on Monday, November 16. Permits can be purchased online at www.fpdcc.com/permits or over the phone by calling 800-870-3666, option 1. Note: due to anticipated high call volume, the best way to book a space will be through our website.