Peraica Introduces Resolution to Put Cook County Check Register Online

CHICAGO, IL – Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16th) today introduced a resolution to put the Cook County check register online.  Peraica’s resolution follows efforts by several Illinois municipal organizations – including neighboring DuPage County – to undertake similar efforts.

“Cook County’s favorite son, President Barack Obama, has called for a new era of open, transparent government,” said Peraica.  “Let us heed that call by putting the Cook County check register online to make us one of the most transparent governments in the country.”

The resolution reads, “It is incumbent upon this honorable body to lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency … be it resolved that the President and Cook County Board of Commissioner do hereby direct the Cook County Comptroller to establish a monthly check register that can be accessed via the Cook County Web Page. “

“Today, the Cook County Board has the opportunity to be financially transparent with their spending.  With an operating budget of $3 billion, Cook County can become the largest unit of Illinois government to show taxpayers exactly where public money is being spent,” said Adam Andrzejewski, Director of ForTheGoodOfIllinois.  “I commend Commissioner Tony Peraica who worked hard and diligently to create this good government resolution.  Each fiscal year, Cook County writes nearly $1 billion in checks. 
Continued Andrzejewski, “Peraica’s resolution would post all these checks on the county website at absolutely no cost to county taxpayers.  That’s good government!”