Chicago, IL … As some Cook County Commissioners attempt to override President Stroger’s veto of a measure that would roll back the sales tax, State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) filed legislation this week that would make it easier for the board to reverse a veto by the Cook County board president.

“There is an overwhelming support from residents and Cook County Commissioners to reduce the sales tax hike, unfortunately politics is getting in the way of providing financial relief to these families who are getting hit with tax increases at all levels of government,” said McAuliffe.

McAuliffe filed House Bill 4616 that would provide the Cook County Board of Commissioners to override a veto by the county board president by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its members. If approved by the General Assembly and the Governor, the legislation would take effect immediately. Currently, four-fifths of the commissioners are needed to approve an override.

The legislation comes on the heels of three failed attempts to reduce the sales tax.

In 2008, the Cook County Board voted to increase the sales tax, making Chicago the highest sales tax region in the nation.

Since then, McAuliffe has filed and sponsored legislation to:

• Repeal the tax hike.
• Require future proposed tax increased to be approved by popular referendum.
• Require a three-fifths supermajority vote for any tax or fee increases by Cook County.

Unfortunately, the bills filed by McAuliffe were not approved by the General Assembly.

Rep. McAuliffe can be reached at his district office located at 6650 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, or by calling (773) 792-0749.