All Week Long
Originally published on newsweek.com 1/22/2024 | Photo: ZIMMYTWS
by: Toni Preckinkle
As we usher in a new year, Cook County is setting forth a bold New Year's resolution: helping to abolish medical debt through our transformative Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). Cook County is well known for its criminal justice reform efforts, but we recognize that true justice extends even further into accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
Using funds provided by President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), MDRI has been a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable residents throughout Chicagoland. With just $12 million, we have the opportunity to wipe away up to $1 billion in medical debt, offering a fresh start for tens of thousands of Cook County families. MDRI has already erased over $280 million in medical expenses for more than 150,000 Cook County residents, and in this season of new beginnings, we are not merely erasing debt; we are helping to rewrite the stories of individuals like Amy Medina.
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the launch of a new grant program to assist arts and culture organizations in building resiliency in the post-pandemic economy. The Nonprofit Relief Grant Program is a component of Cook County Arts, a $5 million pilot arts initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Cook County Arts focuses on suburban communities as many artists and organizations there are ineligible for major funding opportunities available through the City of Chicago. The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is spearheading the initiative, which will include relief grants, creative placemaking investments and new research on the suburban arts sector.
“Suburban nonprofit arts organizations have not had access to significant COVID-19 recovery resources, and Cook County aims to fill this gap for the cultural sector,” said President Preckwinkle. “Culture and creativity serve as critical elements in thriving communities as they provide opportunities for joy, human connection and affirmation. Cook County is committed to exploring ways to build support for the cultural sector into our ongoing community-building initiatives.”
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
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