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| Dear Neighbor, Yesterday morning, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released her proposal for the 2024 budget for Cook County. The $9.14 billion budget includes millions of dollars in funding for equity programs and pandemic relief while having no new taxes, fees, or layoffs. I am excited to work on our county budget for the first time as your Commissioner. I will thoroughly review this proposed budget with my staff to ensure that this budget best reflects the needs of residents across our 8th District. I encourage you to review the budget and let me know your thoughts. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have as well. Additionally, I invite you to join me and my team at one of our upcoming 8th District Community Meetings (see below). We will talk about the resources and services my office offers, the role of county government, and the upcoming budget. I hope to see you there! Lastly, I want to congratulate the Chicago City Council for passing the One Fair Wage ordinance today. Under this new ordinance, the subminimum tipped wage will be phased out and abolished by the year 2028, giving a much needed raise to low-wage workers across our city. I applaud the efforts of the One Fair Wage coalition and our broader progressive, pro-worker movement. It is time we pass a One Fair Wage in Illinois and across the United States. Sincerely, Anthony J. Quezada Cook County Commissioner, 8th District |
| Upcoming Events |
| Commissioner Quezada will be hosting two community meetings in the coming weeks and invites you to join us to learn about Cook County government and the resources and services offered at the 8th district office. The first meeting will be at Blackhawk Park on Wednesday, October 18th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm and the second meeting will be at Lucy Parson Gonzalez Apartments on Thursday, November 2nd from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. At both events, we will share information about the work and priorities of Commissioner Quezada and receive community feedback on the needs and challenges of the community. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Learn more and RSVP for the Belmont Cragin event on 10/18 at this linkLearn more and RSVP for the Logan Square event on 11/2 at this link |
 Fall Fest Join Commissioner Quezada and his team this weekend to have some fall fun on Saturday, October 7th, from 10 am – 3 pm at Athletic Field Park, 3546 W. Addison. Fall Fest will feature fun fall activities such as train rides, pumpkin patches, pony rides, scarecrow making, and games. |
Senior Wellness Fair 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes will be hosting a Senior Wellness Fair, in conjunction with State Rep Jimenez, State Senator Aquino, and Commissioner Quezada, on Friday, October 13th, from 10 am – 1 pm at the Humboldt Park Field House, 1440 N Humboldt Boulevard. Attendees will have access to many services such as health screenings, flu Shots, and raffle prices.  |
| News and Opportunities |
| 8th District Women’s Commissioner Commissioner Quezada is thrilled to announce the nomination of Mariana Osoria to the Cook County Women’s Commission as the representative for the 8th District of Cook County. Mariana is a dedicated public servant, with 30 years of experience designing and implementing programs and systems to positively impact Latino and African American communities. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy, & Equity at Family Focus, a family support organization whose mission is to invest in strengthening families and their children in Chicago and NE Illinois. As the 8th District Women’s Commissioner, Mariana is excited to engage community members in discussions on the issues facing women and girls in the 8th district and to work collaboratively to develop policy that will positively affect the lives of women and girls. If you are interested in learning more about the 8th District’s work with the Women’s Commission, please reach out to mariana.8thwomenscommission@gmail.com.  |
Job Postings with Lutheran Social Services Lutheran Social Services Portage Park location is seeking great candidates who can provide the level of care our houseless constituents deserve for immediate hire. Full details are in this Block Club article. Job postings can be found HERE but available position consist of the following:Housing Locator HEREOutreach Case Manager HERE Outreach Case Manager Team Lead HERE Cook County Starting Block Grant initiativeThe President’s Office and the Justice Advisory Council (JAC) are looking for a diverse group of colleagues to serve on a grant review panel for the new Cook County Starting Block Grant initiative. The Cook County Starting Block Grant initiative provides capacity building resources to small, community-based nonprofit organizations serving Cook County residents. Grants will support organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less, looking to build internal capacity and develop their infrastructure to promote organizational health, growth and sustainability. This voluntary opportunity is a great way to contribute to equitable grantmaking and support the success of community-based organizations Cook County! If you are interested in becoming a Starting Block Grant application review panelist, please complete the online form here. Cook County Sun and SaveCook County Sun and Save installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at no cost for income-qualified homeowners in Cook County. This program makes solar installations more accessible for eligible Cook County residents. The program will run until August 31, 2026, or until funds run out. Cook County Sun and Save covers 100% of the costs associated with installing solar PV systems including some roof and electrical repairs on homes in Cook County that meet the program’s guidelines.For more information, visit: www.cookcountyil.gov/sunandsaveEmail questions about the program to sunandsave@sedac.org |
| Legislative Recap |
Yesterday, President Preckwinkle presented next year’s $9.14 billion budget for the county that includes health care for migrants arriving to the county and expanding & continuing community programs that promote equity throughout our communities. Our office applauds this new budget plan, and we are working to assure that our county services are getting funded. Additionally, our office has been in conversations with the Department of Transportation and Highways (DOTH) on improving the county roads that go through our district, such as Fullerton Avenue. Our local elected officials and planning agencies have been focused on this as well, and we are working with them to see how we can best support the repair and improvement of this county asset. |
| Staff informationBryan Dominguez, County Services Advocate: bryan.dominguez@cookcountyil.gov Cesareo Patras-Moreno, Community Outreach Director: cesareo.moreno@cookcountyil.govMateo Uribe-Rios, Policy Director: mateo.uribe-rios@cookcountyil.gov Kristen Sparks, Chief of Staff: kristen.sparks2@cookcountyil.gov |
| Copyright (C) 2023 Cook County District 8. All rights reserved. |
