March 23, 2004

04-R-105

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE ROBERTO MALDONADO, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

WHEREAS, Cook County is committed to respect the human rights of all people, including the right to adequate housing for all; and

WHEREAS, an affordable housing crisis exists in Cook County as evidenced by the fact that there are 191,260 households in Cook County earning less than 30% of area median ($22,500 for a family of four) who are rent burdened, meaning they pay more than 35% of their income for rent; and

WHEREAS, 7,280 households are on Cook County Housing Authority waiting lists for public housing and housing choice vouchers; and

WHEREAS, HUD’s fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Cook County is $951.00; and a household in Cook County earning 30% of area median income can only afford to pay $515.00 a month for rent; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 4100, the Rental Housing Support Program, which is currently pending in the Illinois General Assembly, would alleviate the affordable housing crisis in Cook County by creating a rental subsidy program for households earning less than 30% of area median income funded by a new $10.00 state surcharge for the recordation of any real estate related document and such surcharge would be evidenced upon collection by a state seal from the Illinois Department of Revenue; and

WHEREAS, the program created by HB 4100 is modeled after a very successful program in Chicago, the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund and the Trust Fund has been in existence for over ten years and currently subsidizes over 2,000 units of housing in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, the passage of HB 4100 would result in an estimated $14 million to be allocated to Chicago and Cook County housing agencies to provide rental subsidies; and

WHEREAS, the passage of HB 4100 would result in at least 1,600 new units of affordable housing in Cook County; and

WHEREAS, HB 4100, would create a new $10.00 state surcharge on real estate recordings to fund the Rental Housing Support Program, with Cook County to receive $1.00 for every affected filing generating an estimated $1.2 million to go directly to the County's general revenue fund to cover the County's costs for collecting the fee created by the bill; and

WHEREAS, all of the funds generated in Cook County through the collection of the surcharge will go to serve low income households in Cook County; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago are in support of HB 4100 and urge the passage of the measure.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners that the Board does hereby declare its support for the concept of a Rental Housing Support Program, and urges the members of the Illinois General Assembly to pass House Bill 4100 after adoption of amendments as proposed by Cook County, and in sequence, to urge the Governor to sign the measure into law. Said amendments shall address the dedication and administration of all funds to Cook County for affordable housing purposes, including administrative costs associated with this program.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-106

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, a Collective Bargaining Agreement for the period of December 1, 2001 through November 30, 2004 has been negotiated between the County of Cook and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Oak Forest Police Chapter #57; and

WHEREAS, salaries and wages for this agreement have previously been approved by the Board of Commissioners.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this union agreement be approved by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-107

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has the legal authority to authorize its departments and offices to open and maintain checking and savings accounts at various banks; and

WHEREAS, it is now necessary to update those persons who are authorized to be signatories on this checking and/or savings account.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the checking and/or savings account at TCF National Bank, for the following purposes, be updated for the General Fund.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following are the names of those persons who are authorized to sign checks on these checking and/or savings accounts and that the signatures of at least two (2) of these shall be required on each check:

1. Ruth M. Rothstein

2. Alvin Holley

3. Johnny C. Brown

4. Richard C. Powell

5. Yogi Mahendra

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following are the names of those persons who are authorized to wire or otherwise transfer funds from the Stroger Hospital of Cook County accounts to other County of Cook bank accounts:

1. Kelvin Magee

2. Scott Haupers

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following persons heretofore be deleted as signatories:

1. Lacy L. Thomas

2. Irene Montgomery

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Auditor be directed to audit the checking accounts of said institution at the close of each Fiscal Year or at anytime she sees fit, and to file report(s) thereon with the Cook County Board.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any funds drawn on said checking or savings accounts for deposit with the County Treasurer shall be transmitted to the Cook County Comptroller with an itemization of collections and designation of the account in the Office of the Comptroller.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-108

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has the legal authority to authorize its departments and offices to open and maintain checking and savings accounts at various banks; and

WHEREAS, it is now necessary to update those persons who are authorized to be signatories on this checking and/or savings account.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the checking and/or savings account at National Republic Bank of Chicago, for the following purposes, be updated for the General Fund.

1. Ruth M. Rothstein

2. Alvin Holley

3. Johnny C. Brown

4. Richard C. Powell

5. Yogi Mahendra

1. Kelvin Magee

2. Scott Haupers

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following persons heretofore be deleted as signatories:

1. Lacy L. Thomas

2. Irene Montgomery

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-109

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is now necessary to update those persons who are authorized to be the signers on the following accounts.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the checking and/or savings accounts at Amalgamated Trust and Savings, First National Bank, Interstate Bank of Oak Forest, and Suburban Bank & Trust for the following purposes, be updated for the General Fund.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following name as signer of the aforesaid checking and/or savings accounts be deleted:

1. Johnny Brown

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following persons are the names of those persons who are authorized to sign checks on the aforementioned checking and/or savings accounts:

1. Daniel R. Martin, Acting Chief Operating Officer

2. Sylvia Edwards, Deputy Chief Operating Officer

3. Walena Valencia, Associate Administrator, Finance

4. Karen Kreis, Business Manager, Finance, Expenditure Control

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-110

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE DEBORAH SIMS, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI,

BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst former Harvey Alderman Donald Whitted born into time July 29, 1949, born into eternity March 2, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Donald was the second eldest son born to Horace and Annie Whitted; and

WHEREAS, Donald attended Thornton Township High School, and became an All State Wrestling Champ in 1968. He found the nationally known Harvey Twisters Wrestling Team and served his country well in the U.S. Navy; and

WHEREAS, Donald, a life long Harvey resident, served as the 4th Ward Alderman from 1995 to 2003 and was a strong supporter of former Harvey Mayor Nick Graves; and

WHEREAS, Donald was the manager of the Thornton Township Food Assistance Center located in Harvey, this served the entire Southland; and

WHEREAS, Donald served as a two term Board Member of School District 147; and

WHEREAS, Donald remained dedicated to the family business, G&W Rib House located in Harvey; and

WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Dorothy; son Donovan (Teneal) and daughter Danielle Whitted; one grandson Donovan Jr.; three brothers Michael (Ora) of Chicago, Illinois, Larry of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Dwain of Harvey, Illinois; one sister Michelle Whitted of Harvey, Illinois; mother-in-law Riceal Dennis; four sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host of loving uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, that the Board hereby expresses its deepest sorrow and extends its most heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones and many friends of former Alderman Donald Whitted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread in everlasting thoughts upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and that a suitable copy of same be provided to the family of Donald Whitted in honor of his memory.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-111

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE CARL R. HANSEN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, ROBERTO MALDONADO,

JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, ANTHONY J. PERAICA,

MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, on March 7, 2004, Harold N. Solomon was called from our midst at the age of 95; and

WHEREAS, Harold N. Solomon was born in Chicago Heights and attended grammar school there and graduated from Senn High School on Chicago’s north side; and

WHEREAS, Harold N. Solomon was awarded a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1929 and a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1931, and began practicing law in 1931; and

WHEREAS, he also taught partnership, personal property, criminal and common law pleading at the University of Chicago from 1932 to 1937; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Solomon joined the United States Army as a private in 1942; and

WHEREAS, he served in the 69th Infantry Division of General George S. Patton’s Third Army and participated in three major campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge and earned two bronze battle stars; and

WHEREAS, after the defeat of Germany in May of 1945, Mr. Solomon was appointed a special United States prosecutor of war crimes in Leipzig where he prosecuted over 200 perpetrators of war crimes before being discharged in September of 1945, and he was commended for single-handedly establishing a complete court system for the Leipzig area; and

WHEREAS, upon his return to Chicago, he practiced law and was active in Veterans’ affairs and civic life and held a number of positions with AMVETS, the Jewish War Veterans, and the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, he co-authored a city ordinance in 1950 that allowed veterans’ groups to buy licenses for $100 to operate canteens in their local posts, and then, successfully defended this ordinance when its constitutionality was questioned; and

WHEREAS, Harold N. Solomon served as a special counsel to the Illinois Agriculture Department during the Ogilvie administration, and was a United States Appeals Agent for the draft board; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Solomon was a member of several bar associations, the Adolph Kraus Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Temple Emanuel Congregation and the City Club of Chicago; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County does hereby express its sorrow at the passing of Harold N. Solomon, and extends its deepest sympathies to the family of this great man, a man who served his country valiantly, and always lent a helping hand to veterans, and who played an instrumental role in bringing the perpetrators of war crimes during World War II to justice.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-112

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY AND PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,

BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Tony “Ante” Balich from our midst; and

WHEREAS, Tony Balich was the beloved husband of the late Eva (nee Peso) Balich; and

WHEREAS, Tony Balich was the loving father of Joseph (Linda), Mary Vujic and Anne (Gary) Jones; and

WHEREAS, Tony Balich was the cherished grandfather of Tony and Carolyn Balich, Johnny Mate, Ante Vujic, Janna, Sveta, Erik and Eleana Jones; and

WHEREAS, Tony Balich was the dear brother of the late Anton Dodaja, the late Ann Perino, the late Christ, and the late Jack Balich, Julie Paljetak, Justine Rothenberger and Mary Balich; and

WHEREAS, Tony Balich was the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that Tony Balich was a kind and compassionate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends and neighbors and dearly loved by his family; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Tony Balich, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Tony Balich, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-113

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE PETER N. SILVESTRI, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park, Illinois celebrates its 75th Anniversary this school year and will commemorate this event on April 28, 2004; and

WHEREAS, John Mills School was built by, and eventually named for, developer John Mills to accommodate the many families moving into the newly developed area; and

WHEREAS, in 1948 a much needed addition was added and when Elmwood Park opened its Middle School in 1990, John Mills Elementary School became a kindergarten through sixth grade facility; and

WHEREAS, in addition to its distinctive architecture, John Mills Elementary School boasts two original WPA wall murals; and

WHEREAS, John Mills Elementary School celebrates and fosters pride in the multi-cultural diversity among its 700 students, who represent seventeen different nationalities and languages; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the John Mills Elementary School administration, faculty, staff and parents, past and present, is excellence in education and variety and inclusiveness in extra-curricular activities; and

WHEREAS, John Mills Elementary School has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout the years and is a source of great pride to the community of Elmwood Park.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook do hereby congratulate John Mills Elementary School for its 75 years of commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment to the children of Elmwood Park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be prepared for presentation to John Mills Elementary School as evidence of the appreciation of this Honorable Body and the residents of Cook County.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-114

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE PETER N. SILVESTRI, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSONERS

WHEREAS, the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization (CIACO) is a not-for-profit group that dedicates its time, efforts and resources to helping people in need; and

WHEREAS, on April 17, 2004 the CIACO will host its annual dinner dance and honor Joseph Salerno as its “Man of the Year”; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno is a highly respected and successful funeral director who owns and operates Galewood Chapels; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his impeccable professional reputation, Mr. Salerno is well known for his commitment to numerous civic, community and charitable causes. He is on the Board of Directors of the CIACO, a trustee of Bloomingdale Township, and is a director of Bloomingdale’s Parks Foundation and the Lions Club. Mr. Salerno is a past president of the Roselle Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the North Austin Chamber of Commerce and the South Elmwood Park Little League; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Salerno is a devoted husband to his wife, Donna, the proud father of Frank and George and step-father of Michaeline and Jilene and the adoring grandfather of Tiffany and Sophia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook do hereby congratulate Joseph Salerno on this well-deserved recognition as “Man of the Year” of the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization and thank him for his many years of dedication to his community and to those in need; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be prepared for presentation to Joseph Salerno as evidence of the appreciation of this Honorable Body and the residents of Cook County.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-115

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY AND PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,

BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Angelo Rodorigo from our midst; and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was the beloved husband of the late Josephine (nee Falco); and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was the dear father of Marirose (Robert) Sadowski, Corinne (Roy) Gach and Angella (Louis) Smith; and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was the loving grandfather of Jeffrey (Jeanine), Mark (Holly Goline), Jonathan, Daniel, Jason, Tiana (Joseph), Megan and Nicole; and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was the great-grandfather of Luke Thomas Sadowski, and the fond brother of Ida (the late Mike) Gentile and the late Loretto (Ann), Louise, Lugina, Nina and Angelo, and the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was blessed by the kindness and compassion of Barbara Goleniowska, his caretaker; and

WHEREAS, Angelo Rodorigo was a proud member of Local #150 International Union of Operating Engineers; and

WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that Angelo Rodorigo was a kind and considerate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends and neighbors, and dearly loved by his family; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Angelo Rodorigo, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Angelo Rodorigo, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-116

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, DEBORAH SIMS, PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY, GREGG GOSLIN,

CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO,

MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

A RESOLUTION CALLING ON GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH AND

THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE FULL FUNDING IN

THE 2005 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET FOR THE ILLINOIS BUREAU OF TOURISM

WHEREAS, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant quality-of-life benefits for all Illinois residents; and

WHEREAS, the tourism industry in Illinois generates $38 billion in total economic impact annually as well as 600,000 jobs. Tourism employs 1 in 10 jobs in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the $1.1 billion in state tax revenues generated by tourism amounts to 4.4% of the General Revenue Fund operating budget which contributes to education, health care, public safety, and other essential services; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of creating a continual funding source for tourism promotion for Illinois, in 1984, the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor signed legislation that raised the dedicated tax on hotels to 6% with the express understanding of the tourism industry that the intended use of the tax increase was for the purpose of tourism promotion; and

WHEREAS, tourism is the only base industry common throughout the State of Illinois and provides revenue to all 102 counties in some form; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism provides unified, unbiased leadership for the industry with the sole mission of creating economic impact through consistent, research-based and targeted marketing to enhance Illinois’ image as a world-class travel destination; and

WHEREAS, Governor Blagojevich’s proposed 2005 Budget eliminates 50% of funding for the Illinois Bureau of Tourism; and

WHEREAS, a cut in marketing dollars will not only cause hotel and motel tax revenues to be lost to the state but also will negatively affect the hotel, restaurant, attraction and supplier sectors which will result in lost jobs; and

WHEREAS, this reduction in state tourism funding will have a devastating effect on Illinois’ fiscal health. The consistent generation of local option bed taxes that our rural communities rely on to support essential city services, such as police and fire protection, would be at risk without IBOT’s efforts. Taxpayers across Illinois pay less in taxes because visitors help fund state and local government services and it has been estimated that the loss of visitor industry tax revenues would cost every Illinois family of four an additional $525.00 in taxes per year; and

WHEREAS, continuation of full base funding for the Illinois Bureau of Tourism is critical to the residents of Cook County and Illinois, because the agency’s tourism promotion activities generate irreplaceable revenues for education, health care, public safety, police and fire protection and other essential services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County does hereby call on Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to restore full funding to the Illinois Bureau of Tourism in the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to Governor Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones, Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan and the members of the Illinois General Assembly representing Cook County and also be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.

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04-R-117

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,

ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS AND BOBBIE L. STEELE, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 1979 and became an international treaty as of September 3, 1981, and by 2003, well over three-fourths of the world, 174 nations, have agreed to be bound by CEDAW’s provisions; and

WHEREAS, the United States supports and has a position of leadership in the United Nations, and was an active participant in the drafting and is a signatory to CEDAW; and

WHEREAS, as evidenced by the Cook County Board of Commissioners adoption of a similar Resolution on February 15, 2000, the spirit of CEDAW is rooted in the goals of Cook County, the United States and the United Nations to affirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women everywhere; and

WHEREAS, CEDAW provides a comprehensive framework for challenging the various forces that have created and sustained discrimination based on sex against half the world’s population; the nations in support of CEDAW have agreed to follow CEDAW’s prescriptions; and

WHEREAS, although women have made major gains in the struggle for equality in all fields, much more needs to be accomplished to fully eradicate discrimination based on sex and to achieve one of the most basic human rights, equality; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush and the Secretary of State have placed CEDAW in Category III of priority in order to accelerate the Treaty’s passage through the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the full U.S. Senate with the goal of the United States ratification; and

WHEREAS, county government has an appropriate and legitimate role in affirming the importance of international law in communities as universal norms and to serve as guides for public policy; and

WHEREAS, Cook County, with its ethnic and racial diversity, and its outstanding cultural and educational institutions, is working to eliminate discrimination based on sex.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that the County of Cook urges the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to again pass CEDAW favorably out of Committee, and send it to the Senate floor; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County of Cook urges the United States Senate to vote favorably to ratify CEDAW so that its provisions will define the goal and the standard of conduct for all in promoting equality for women in all aspects of their lives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this Resolution, along with a letter documenting the County of Cook’s ongoing compliance with the principles of CEDAW, be delivered to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Chair and the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect on the date of its passage and approval.

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of March 2004.