| Dear Neighbor, This past Tuesday marked one year since being sworn into office! I thank my staff for their commitment to exemplary and professional public service for all 8th District and Cook County residents. Our team is excited to continue connecting our communities to the resources and services of our Cook County government, and we are excited to continue advancing a legislative agenda that meets the needs of everyday people and families. Keeping true to our promise of exemplary and responsive public service, here are some of our many accomplishments this past year:We helped 555 people with applying for property tax exemptions and property tax appealsWe organized 7 property tax workshopsWe organized and attended 40 community eventsWe mailed notices to 8,096 property owners and seniors eligible for exemptionsWe secured funding for dental care at the Belmont-Cragin health clinicWe gave out over 3,000 Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo ticketsWe created Cook County’s first-ever participatory budget process for infrastructure improvement funds We look forward to helping even more residents across the 8th District in 2024 and beyond. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we build a Cook County that works for all of us. Sincerely, Anthony J. Quezada Cook County Commissioner, 8th District |
| Upcoming Events |
| Join us at one of two upcoming Board of Review Appeal events! The first event will be on Thursday, December 14th from 5-7pm at 6560 West Fullerton Ave and will be hosted in collaboration with Commissioner George A. Cardenas, Alderman Gilbert Villegas, State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, and State Representative Lilian Jiménez. –Español–¡Únase a nosotros en uno de los dos próximos eventos de apelación de la Board of Review! El primer evento será el 14 de Diciembre de 5 pm a 8 pm en el 6560 West Fullerton Ave y será organizado en colaboración con el Comisionado Cardenas, Concejal Villegas, Representante Estatal Delgado, y Representante Estatal Jiménez. |
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| The second free property tax appeal workshop will take place on Wednesday, December 20th from 5-7pm at 1440 N Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 and will be hosted in collaboration withCommissioner George A. Cardenas, 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes , State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, and State Representative Lilian Jiménez. –Español–El segundo taller gratuito de apelación será el 20 de diciembre de 5 pm a 7 pm en el 1440 N Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 y será organizado en colaboración con elComisionado Cardenas, Concejal Fuentes, Representante Estatal Delgado, y Representante Estatal Jiménez. |
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| News and Opportunities |
 Commissioner Quezada is excited to announce that the 8th District office is implementing a first-of-its-kind participatory budgeting process in Cook County. Every Commissioner receives $500,000 for infrastructure improvement projects in their district, and our office will equitably invest these funds only in wards across the 8th District that have participatory budgeting programs.We are actively working with Aldermanic offices to identify eligible projects that were submitted in their participatory budgeting cycle, and we will announce winning projects in the weeks and months ahead. |
 Starting December 1st, income-eligible households can apply for LIHEAP to get help with heating and electric bills. CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc offers assistance for natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane. Cash aid is available for renters with utilities included. Qualified homeowners can also receive vouchers for heating system repairs. Apply at www.CEDAorg.net/Bills or call (800) 571-2332. or call (800) 571-2332. First-come, first-serve applications until August 15, 2024, or until funds run out. |
  Ditch the plastic bags and pick up one of our 8th District reusable tote bags! Stop by our office at 2934 N Milwaukee Ave, Unit C, Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm, and get a tote bag for all your weekend grocery shopping needs! ¡Deshazte de las bolsas de plástico y recoje una de nuestras bolsas reutilizables del Distrito 8!¡Pase por nuestra oficina en 2934 N Milwaukee Ave, Unidad C, de lunes a viernes, de 9am a 5 pm, y obtenga una bolsa de mano para todas sus necesidades! |
| Legislative Recap |
| The Cook County and Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners will begin to meet next week starting Tuesday, December 12. You can keep track of what will be discussed at these committee and Board meetings here and here. Last month, the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance was introduced before the Board to codify the state’s new paid leave policy. As the vice-chair of the Labor Committee, Commissioner Quezada is working with advocates and the President’s office to make sure this ordinance respects and protects workers’ rights. You can learn more about the State of Illinois’ version here. We are also introducing a Consent Calendar resolution in memoriam of one of our community members, CPS teacher Oscar Ortiz. Oscar was a special education teacher at Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative High School, which is housed within the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC). For twenty years, Oscar was a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher and a leader within the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) who inspired his students and fellow teachers alike to take action in the face of injustice. He was energetic and optimistic, and his passing has left a huge void in our movement. We join his family in reflection of his great life. |
