PARK RIDGE— State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) was extremely pleased to see the Cook County Board once again take up the issue of sales tax relief.

"I’ve heard from many of the residents of my district that the sales tax increase really hurt them," Kotowski said. "Working families watch those extra dollars and cents trickle out of their bank accounts every time they go shopping. Retailers have seen drops in sales. We needed a change."

Before the passage of Kotowski’s law, the Cook County Board needed a four-fifths majority to override the board president’s veto—in practical terms, 14 out of 17 commissioners’ votes. Now, they only need a three-fifths majority—11 out of 17 votes. This number is consistent with every other county in Illinois and the General Assembly. It is also much closer to Congress’ two-thirds majority.

"During these tough economic times Cook County residents cannot afford this sales tax—especially with the recent increase in property taxes," said State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin), a co-sponsor of the new law. "I applaud the Cook County board for their vote to roll back the sales tax, and I am glad that it has finally been eliminated."

"Like most other residents of Cook County, I will be happy to see us return to a more reasonable sales tax," Kotowski said. "The people of the county have spoken, and the county commissioners have demonstrated that they have heard the taxpayers loud and clear."