WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioQuinn signs law that weakens Cook board president
Member Center:
Associated Press - November 7, 2009 5:14 PM ET
CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that weakens the power of the Cook County Board president.
Quinn signed the bill into law Saturday in Chicago. The measure makes it easier for Cook County commissioners to override a veto by the board president.
The new law goes into effect immediately.
The change was inspired by an unpopular sales tax increase in Cook County. President Todd Stroger vetoed a measure that would have reduced the tax. The board was unable to override his veto.
That's because it took a four-fifths majority of the county board to override, a far higher standard than most government bodies use.
Lawmakers voted last month to require the more common three-fifths majority, and Quinn signed the move into law.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
