Two-thirds supermajority vote requested for any new tax or tax increase

“If this amendment had been in place two years ago, there never would’ve been a Soda Tax,” says Commissioner Morrison

information provided by the Cook County Commissioner’s Office

CHICAGO, Ill. (September 15, 2018) – On Wednesday, September 12, Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison joined Commissioners Timothy O. Schneider (R-15), Richard Boykin (D-1), John Fritchey (D-12), and Gregg Goslin (R-14) at a Cook County Board Meeting to submit a bi-partisan amendment to require that any new tax or tax increase must be passed by a supermajority vote of two thirds rather than a simple majority.

“If we’re going to ask the residents of Cook County and the business owners of Cook County to go deeper into their family’s wallets, to go deeper into their own personal income and savings to pay for new revenue and taxes at the government level, then we need to make sure it is done with diligence, commitment, and real resolve by the Cook County Board,” said Commissioner Morrison.

“Imposing additional taxes on the residents of Cook County should require a vote greater than a simple majority,” said Commissioner Schneider.

In 2016, the Cook County Board passed the controversial and hugely unpopular Soda Tax by a razor thin 9-8 vote with President Preckwinkle breaking an 8-8 tie vote between commissioners. The board would later repeal the ‘Soda Tax’ just 11 months later after unprecedented blowback from residents and businesses alike. “If this amendment had been in place two years ago, there never would’ve been a Soda Tax. At the end of the day, this amendment will assure that any new tax proposal shall meet the highest threshold of consensus by the board. Taxpayers deserve nothing less,” added Commissioner Sean Morrison.

The ordinance amendment (Item 18-5880 ) was presented as a New Item and referred to the Legislation Committee for consideration. It is expected to be called for a vote at the October 17 Cook County Board Meeting.