Heed the call to help make our election system work

Volunteer to be an Election Judge

Tuesday March 19 ·    

       To work at a Suburban Cook County polling place, go to Clerk's

Website

    To work at a Chicago polling place, go to the Board of Elections'

Website

Photo by Pixabay

One of the more important activities of the Cook County League is to observe and report on the meetings of the county-wide governments. Most of these meetings are not covered by the press. But the elected officials know the League is watching and reporting! We know that makes a difference!

In particular, there is a need for more observers for the Cook County Board Committee meetings that take place during the day on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the monthly Thursday Board meeting.

• The committee meetings are interesting--  Cook County government handles a wide-range of issues that impact all of us. The 17 Commissioners reflect different viewpoints and interests.

• The meetings are easily accessible:

Attend in person

Watch the live stream from home

Watch the video recording later

• We provide focus for your observations: A League member will review all the agendas and provide a list of “items of interest”.

• We provide a mentor to help with your first observations.

Want to learn more? Email the League at [email protected], or call 312-939-5935, ext.127, and provide your name, local League, and contact info. 

Say YES to making a positive difference in 2024!

Cook County and MWRD Governments Interest Group

• The MWRD is now hosting monthly information seminars around issues dealing with climate change, flooding, environmental justice, and other MWRD priorities.  The seminar presenters are employees of the MWRD, and the programs are held at the Stickney Plant and can be viewed virtually by signing up on the Website. The next seminar is scheduled for Friday, January 26 on Environmental Justice. 
• The MWRD plans to introduce biogas powered electricity. Biogas is a valuable byproduct from processing sewage and is a key component of the MWRD obtaining energy neutrality.
• You can receive an alert from the MWRD when the volume of rain will likely mean an overflow of untreated sewage into the river, and you can help by not using your dishwasher or washing machine and flushing less. Sign up Here.

Cook County Health Interest Group

• The Public Health Department's 3rd quarter 2023 presentation focused on SDI treatments and diseases, targeting campaigns for colleges, and public relations campaigns for individuals to increase awareness and identify where to go for help. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, HIV, and Monkey Pox are the main SID's targeted for treatment and reporting statistics. The current marketing campaign slogan is: "Don't guess, get a test". Mail back test kits are now available from CCH via their Website.

• Also discussed was the youth tobacco seller ordinance passed in July of 2023, which consists of compliance check and required signage. Starting in the fall of 2023, CCDPH in partnership with the CC Sheriff's office started conducting random, unannounced inspections where flavored tobacco products are sold in unincorporated Cook County.

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting December 14, 2023

The Board approved the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance. As of December 31, 2023, employees in Cook County can earn at least one (1) hour of paid leave for every forty (40) hours worked. This ordinance requires that all employers with employees in Cook County provide those employees with paid leave to be used for any reason.

Comm. Sean Morrison asked several questions about how violations of the ordinance would be handled. He wanted to know what happens when a complaint is filed. Complaints are handled by the Board of Human Rights and Ethics. A representative from that Board explained that the rules for how the ordinance would be handled still need to be drafted and cannot be done until the ordinance is approved. It is expected that the rules will be finalized by February and then approved by the Board of Human Rights and Ethics. Then the rules will come to the Board of Commissioners for its approval.

Comm. Miller wanted to understand the difference between the County ordinance and the legislation as approved by the State. Home Rule communities can opt out of the County ordinance but will need to be in compliance with State law. She asked that outreach is undertaken so that employers will know what they need to do to be in compliance with the new legislation.

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting December 12, 2023 

The Board approved the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters, Local 700, extending the term of agreement to December 31, 2025 with 2 cost of living adjustments. 

The Forest Preserve will continue collaboration with The Prairie Research Institute through 2028. The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) comprises five (5) state scientific surveys: the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. This agreement enables the Forest Preserves to consult with and engage the technical expertise of each of these scientific institutions, based on annual tasks assigned by the Forest Preserves. Since 2014, the Forest Preserves has partnered with the PRI for the purpose of developing a Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan, a landmark document that has helped guide the allocation of resources and informed strategies to pursue and meet the ambitious goals set forth in the Forest Preserves’ Next Century Conservation Plan.

Thursday, January 18, 7:00pm

LaGrange Area League

Sharone Mitchell, Public Defender's Office

SAFE-T Act Pros and Cons

Brookfield Public Library

3541 Park Ave, Brookfield

Open to the public

For more detail see the LWV LaGrange Area Website

Thursday, February 13, 9:30-11:00am via Zoom

LWV Oak Park River Forest

Tim Daly, Director, Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform

Current Trends in Gun Violence, New Policies & Practices

Registration required on LWV OPRF Website

Thursday, February 15, 6:30pm

LWV Oak Park River Forest

Drinks & Dialogue Immigration Reform

Friendly's Tap 6731 Roosevelt Rd Berwyn

Open to the public. No registration required.

Save the Date



Saturday, March 9, 11:30 am

Co-sponsored by LWVs Evanston, Glenview-Glencoe, Wilmette &Winnetka-Northfield-Kenilworth 

Winnetka Congregational Church, 720 Pine, Winnetka

"Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism"--Author Brooke Kroeger (via Zoom) in Conversation with Chicago Tribune Columnist Heidi Stevens (Live)

See the LWV WNK website for registration information

2023-2024 Cook County League Board Members 

OFFICERS: President: Cynthia Schilsky, LaGrange Area; Vice-Presidents: Pris Mims, Chicago, Kathi Graffam, LaGrange Area; Secretary: Carolyn Cosentino, Homewood/Flossmoor; Treasurer: Trudy Turner, Evanston.

Board members: Laura Davis, Palatine; Diane Edmundson, Chicago; Jan Goldberg, LaGrange Area ; Betty Hayford, Evanston; Karin Hribar, Arlington Heights; Sandra Slayton, Homewood-Flossmoor

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, political organization whose mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government; to increase understanding of major policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to anyone regardless of gender, race, or ethnic group.

_________________________

League of Women Voters of Cook County

332 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 634, Chicago, IL 60604

312-939-5935 x127

lwvcookcounty.org