Cook County Democrats Want Record Sales Tax While Increasing the Number of Government Workers

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

Crain’s) — Cook County Board President Todd Stroger on Wednesday raised his tax hike ante, proposing a fiscal 2008 budget that includes not only the huge sales tax increase that already has been rejected once by the County Board, but more than $100 million in additional new levies.

He also asked for a $2.4-million increase in the property tax levy to pay for the county’s forest preserve system.

Though most funds would be used to fill budget holes, Mr. Stroger conceded that his proposed spending plan would increase the county's employee head count 1,100 jobs, about a 5% increase. The new jobs are needed to cut waiting lines and restore health services at Stroger Hospital, modernize data processing and meet court orders for staffing at the county jail, he said.

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