All Week Long
Originally published on chicagotribune.com 07/31/2024 | Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and division, especially after the turbulent events that have transpired over the last few weeks. And it could be easy to overlook the significant changes that have been happening in our communities, quietly bringing hope and progress. But these changes deserve a spotlight. They are a testament to the power of effective leadership and thoughtful policy, exemplified by President Joe Biden. As he steps aside from the presidential race, I want to applaud his 50-year career marked by responsibility, decency and bold action. His legacy of transformative policies will continue to impact and inspire us for generations to come. Now, it is up to the rest of us to carry the torch forward.
In Cook County, there’s no debating this fact: Through Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we are driving transformative change. This historic investment is reshaping our communities and laying a foundation for future growth.
The American Rescue Plan Act is one of the most impactful pieces of federal legislation since the New Deal. In 2021, Cook County received $1 billion in ARPA funding. This was an opportunity to recover from the pandemic and make critical investments throughout Cook County. Our ARPA programming is committed to equity, addressing the needs of our historically disinvested communities.
I often say we have one map in Cook County. Those with the highest rates of violence also face the highest rates of poverty. Those same communities often have the least access to essential services such as health care, grocery stores and technology. With input from tens of thousands of Cook County residents, we prioritized transformative investments with our ARPA dollars to target these disparities. Our commitment is to change that map, ensuring equitable access to vital resources for all our residents. That commitment is being realized every day in Cook County, thanks to ARPA and Biden’s vision.
Among our top initiatives is one of the largest guaranteed income pilots in the country. This $42 million initiative provides unrestricted recurring monthly payments to 3,250 residents for two years. Early surveys show that more than 90% of participants have used their payments for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. Around 75% feel more financially secure, and nearly 70% report a positive impact on their mental health.
Originally published on dailyherald.com 07/24/2024 | Photo: Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times
Cook County officials announced Wednesday that Fitch Ratings has upgraded the county’s bond rating from AA- to AA, the third ratings upgrade in less than three years.
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle called the rating upgrade a recognition of the county’s work to create long-term fiscal stability and sustainability.
“These upgrades are the result of many years of thoughtful fiscal management and a testament to the hard work of our finance team,” she said in Wednesday’s announcement.
Fitch noted the upgrade to AA reflects the county serving as the economic and cultural center for the Midwest, its accumulation of sound reserves and its financial management efforts, officials said.
The AA rating is Fitch’s second-highest grade, according to the agency’s website, denoting expectations of very low default risk. It indicates that the recipient has a very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments and is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
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.
Political contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.