All Week Long
Originally published by Kristen Schorsch via Chicago Sun-Times | April 10, 2025
With some residents facing record-high increases to their property taxes, Cook County commissioners on Thursday approved giving one-time payments of $1,000 to a limited number of households struggling the most.
Those eligible to apply must have a tax bill that has climbed at least 50% in any year since 2021, and have a household income at or below 100% of the area median income for an applicant’s household size. For example, that would include a family of four making less than $120,000 a year, according to the county.
The county estimates about 112,000 households are eligible. Commissioner Bridget Gainer, a North Side Democrat who led the effort, hopes to open up applications in June and get payments out soon after.
(Cook County, IL) — Today, President Toni Preckwinkle announced early findings from the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, which show significant benefits for participants—including improved financial stability and reduced stress. Building on these results, President Preckwinkle also announced the formation of an advisory committee to guide the County’s next phase of guaranteed income programming. The committee marks a key step in Cook County’s ongoing efforts to promote economic stability and opportunity for residents.
“We launched the Promise Pilot to test a simple but powerful idea: that direct cash support helps residents live healthier, more stable lives,” said President Preckwinkle. “Now, thanks to promising early results and the dedication of our partners and participants, we are ready to take the next step. This advisory committee will help us build future guaranteed income programming rooted in research, equity and dignity.”
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