CHICAGO – As the Cook County Board continues its debate on the proposed $3 billion budget for FY 2005, the Civic Federation applauds the Board for its vote to consolidate the public relations, human resources and finance departments of the County’s four hospitals – a move that could save the taxpayers of Cook County more than $2 million in the coming year.
“This move to end unnecessary duplication and increase efficiency marks an historic step forward for the government of Cook County,” commented Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. “We encourage President Stroger to embrace and endorse this budget amendment as an important move toward fiscal responsibility. We further urge the County Board members to continue to make cuts in the proposed budget, which calls for an unjustified $75 million tax increase.”
The Civic Federation has opposed the County government’s budget proposal, which calls for new taxes on hotel stays and prepared food and beverages.