Today, the Cook County Board voted to begin repealing the sweetened beverage tax that was approved last year. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a statement acknowledging the board’s decision and expressing her respect for the commissioners’ authority in determining revenue policy.
“As I outlined last week, it is up to the commissioners to choose our direction on revenue, and I respect their authority to do so. Now, together, we must chart a new course toward the eighth consecutive balanced budget of my tenure as board president,” Preckwinkle said.
Preckwinkle expressed disappointment with the outcome but thanked public health advocates and county health professionals for their efforts. “While I am disappointed in today’s outcome, I am grateful to the dedicated public health advocates at the American Heart Association and the Illinois Public Health Institute who have supported us every step of the way. And I am thankful for the talented professionals at the Cook County Health and Hospitals System who are committed to promoting better health outcomes for residents across the County, especially in our vulnerable communities.”
She emphasized her ongoing commitment to improving Cook County despite this setback. “As I noted last month, the difficult fight for this revenue has focused me on what matters most: doing the hard work necessary to build a healthier, safer and more efficient Cook County.”
Preckwinkle concluded by affirming that efforts to improve county operations will continue. “That work continues.”
