Dear friends and neighbors,
In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. identified the three great evils of his day: racism, poverty and war.
Today, half a centennial later, these struggles refuse to relent. But in Cook County, we have taken great strides to combat the evils Dr. King articulated. Although we have not reached the “mountain top,” I am encouraged by our collective work promoting the racial and economic justice he envisioned.
Our county budget directs more resources to critical human needs than ever before; we are protecting our seniors, investing in programs that address homelessness, building affordable housing, working to end housing discrimination, and expanding access to healthcare. I am especially inspired by the voices of the labor movement; these women and men are fighting for justice and challenging the status quo at every level of government, transforming the political landscape and engaging working people all over the state.
We can only imagine how Dr. King would view today’s struggles. I am confident that he would assess our movement with a hopeful eye — just as I do — because it is stronger, bigger, courageous, unbending and built on the historic foundation he laid.
I hope you stay healthy and safe in the new year and find a sense of peace in our collective voice. As always, I am working for our families and fighting for our future.
