Stroger Takes Stand, Vetoes Sales Tax Cut

Says he'll call for graduated roll-back instead

Cook County President Todd Stroger says he'll veto the sales tax repeal after nearly a week of going back and forth on the issue.

"I will not jeopardize the well-being of county residents by allowing this faction of commissioners to end funding for vital services and destroy our health and public safety operations. There is too much at stake – for residents who desperately need these services, and for residents who deserve a government that is responsibly funded," Stroger said in a release.

Stroger will instead call for a graduated roll-back of the 1 percent tax.

Stroger said there aren't enough votes to override his veto.  The repeal passed the board on a vote of 12-3.  A veto override would require 14 votes. 

Democratic Commissioners William Beavers, Robert Steele and Jerry Butler voted against the repeal. Two were absent from the vote: Earleen Collins (D-Chicago), and Deborah Sims (D-Chicago).

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